D. L. & F. De Saram is widely recognised for its expertise in the gamut of domestic lending, project financing and cross-border transactions. The team regularly advises on loan restructurings, regulatory compliance and structured finance, often in the context of high-value infrastructure and development projects. Savantha De Saram has long-standing experience across the full spectrum of banking and corporate matters, and is frequently engaged on transactions with international elements. Aloka Nandasena’s practice spans corporate and finance work, with a particular focus on capital markets and regulatory issues. Hansi Abayaratne is active on infrastructure and energy-related financings, while Ushara Ratnayake plays a central role in advising on financing structures and capital markets transactions.
Banking, finance and capital markets in Sri Lanka
D. L. & F. De Saram
Praxisleiter:
Savantha De Saram; Aloka Nandasena
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Hansi Abayaratne; Ushara Ratnayak
Referenzen
‚The competence of the team is definitely above the others, but what makes this team stand out is the focus on delivering on time. They also seem to be putting a lot more emphasis on technology than anyone else in the country.‘
‚Savantha De Saram is undoubtedly the person leading the team. He is the unquestioned leader when any issue arises or a sticky point needs to be handled.‘
Kernmandanten
China Development Bank
JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A.
HSBC Bank PLC
Citigroup Global Marketing Holdings INC.
Capital Alliance Investments (Pvt) Ltd
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised China Development Bank on the restructuring of 12 loan facilities granted to the Government of Sri Lanka and the National Water Supply and Drainage Board under the national debt restructuring programme.
- Assisted with formulating a financial regulatory compliance checklist for JP Morgan Chase Bank.
- Advised HSBC Bank PLC on Sri Lankan selling and transfer restrictions appearing in the NWP Market Access Base Prospectus based on local foreign exchange laws and regulations.
F. J. & G. De Saram
F. J. & G. De Saram remains 'an exceptional partner' to both domestic and international financial institutions, multilateral lenders, and corporates on a wide range of financing and regulatory mandates. The practice, co-led by Himali Mudadeniya, Ayomi Aluwihare, and Buwaneka Basnayake, is regularly engaged in sovereign and cross-border financings, project lending, and restructuring matters. The team has also provided input on recent legislative and regulatory developments, including work on the Banking (Amendment) Act and Public Debt Management Act, and policy advice to the Sri Lanka Banks’ Association. In capital markets, the firm has advised on major market reforms and listing projects, such as the introduction of a central counterparty framework for the Colombo Stock Exchange and the implementation of new corporate governance standards. Praveeni Algama continues to advise on public offerings and regulatory compliance, while Tilani Cooray focuses on payment systems and structured finance.
Praxisleiter:
Himali Mudadeniya; Ayomi Aluwihare; Buwaneka Basnayake
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Shakthi Ratnakumaran; Nuwan Perera; Praveeni Algama; Tilani Cooray; Nishadh Iqbal
Referenzen
‘FJG has been an exceptional partner during our pre-opening phase, demonstrating a deep understanding of both legal frameworks and commercial realities. They worked closely with us to identify practical, business-oriented solutions to complex legal challenges, particularly in a jurisdiction where the regulatory environment does not always align with the nature of our operations.‘
‘It is a top law firm in Sri Lanka with some leading corporate lawyers in the team who are extremely competent, knowledgeable, experienced and highly professional. Their delivery has always been excellent. Highly recommended firm. ’
‘Ayomi Aluwihare – highly recommended for advice.‘
Kernmandanten
Citibank N.A.
George Stuart & Co
Sri Lanka Banks’ Association
DFCC Bank PLC
Colombo Stock Exchange
Lynear Wealth Management (Private) Limited
HNB Stockbrokers Limited
Capital Alliance Holdings Limited
Fitch Rating Agency (Pvt) Limited
Chevron Lubricants PLC
Citibank N.A.
George Stuart & Co
Sri Lanka Banks’ Association
DFCC Bank PLC
Colombo Stock Exchange
Lynear Wealth Management (Private) Limited
HNB Stockbrokers Limited
Capital Alliance Holdings Limited
Fitch Rating Agency (Pvt) Limited
Chevron Lubricants PLC
Highlight-Mandate
- Acted as local legal counsel to Citibank on its involvement as dealer manager for the International Sovereign Bond exchange by the Government of Sri Lanka.
- Advised the Colombo Stock Exchange on the implementation of a central counterparty that guarantees the settlement of trades on the Colombo Stock Exchange.
- Advised on the setting up of several collective investment schemes, including advising Capital Alliance Limited on the listing of its Five-Year Closed End Fund on the Colombo Stock Exchange by way of an introduction, and advising LYNEAR Wealth Management (Private) Limited on the setting up of the LYNEAR Wealth Liquid Money Market Fund.
Nithya Partners
Nithya Partners’ practice is recognised for advising on some of the most significant financing transactions in the market, including syndicated lending, structured finance and debt restructuring mandates. The team regularly assists both domestic and international banks, as well as development finance institutions and leasing companies, on cross-border lending and regulatory compliance matters. Naomal Goonewardena has longstanding involvement in high-value transactions and advisory roles relating to financial regulation. The group also maintains a strong profile in debt capital markets, providing guidance on bond offerings and derivative instruments, as well as assisting the Central Bank of Sri Lanka on regulatory and policy development. Prashanthi Vignanantha is noted for her advisory work on derivatives and repurchase agreements, as well as her involvement in initiatives to broaden the scope of capital markets instruments in Sri Lanka.
Praxisleiter:
Naomal Goonewardena
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Prashanthi Vignanantha
Kernmandanten
Sampath Bank PLC
Seylan Bank PLC
Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC
DFCC Bank PLC
People’s Bank
Nations Trust Bank PLC
Citizens Development Business Finance PLC
United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)
Alliance Finance Company PLC
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised a syndicate of nine local banks on a loan for LKR 44,500,000,000 granted to Sobadhanavi Limited to operate a combined cycle power plant in Sri Lanka.
- Advised Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC on an issuance of 200 million BASEL III compliant, tier-two, listed, rated, unsecured, subordinated, redeemable with non-viability conversion bonds, each amounting to Rs 20bn.
- Advised DFCC Bank PLC on an issuance of 25 million senior, unsecured, listed, redeemable, rated three-year green bonds, each amounting to a total issuance of Rs 2.5bn.
Julius & Creasy
Julius & Creasy’s banking and finance team, jointly led by Janaki Kumaraguru and Priya Sivagananathan, is especially well regarded for its advisory work on cross-border lending, aircraft leasing, and financial regulatory matters. The firm regularly acts as local counsel to international lenders on syndicated loans to the Government of Sri Lanka and major domestic entities, and provides opinions on derivatives, ISDA documentation, and sub-custodianship issues. It is also a longstanding adviser to foreign lessors and trustees in aviation finance, an area where the team holds particular technical expertise. The practice is further noted for its ability to advise on banking regulation, trade finance, and asset-backed financing under Sri Lanka’s evolving regulatory framework.
Praxisleiter:
Janaki Kumaraguru; Priya Sivagananathan
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Raneshnie Perera
Highlight-Mandate
Tiruchelvam Associates
Tiruchelvam Associates‘ banking and finance practice, jointly led by Ramani Muttettuwegama and Nirosha Peiris, focuses on regulatory, compliance and foreign exchange matters. The team is known for its practical understanding of the local financial system and for advising both corporate and private clients on complex repatriation, regulatory and financing issues. Recent work has included assisting local banks and corporates with cross-border financing arrangements and providing guidance on emerging fintech and investment models.
Praxisleiter:
Ramani Muttettuwegama; Nirosha Peiris
Referenzen
‘Good interview to find out the clients‘ needs and wishes.’
‘Attention to detail, sound advice.’
‘Covers all forms of law at a high professional level, making them a one-stop shop for the most diverse of topics. In a context where personal contact is important, they manage their portfolio through video calls and emails, never losing a beat.’
Kernmandanten
Galadari Hotels (Lanka) PLC
Nations Trust Bank PLC
Himal Southasian
DigiMF
Marjolein Meerburg
Dahnay Logistics India
Isvari Mahadeva
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Galadari Hotels (Lanka) PLC on obtaining a $20m loan from Mashreq Bank.
- Advised Nations Trust Bank PLC on the accuracy of a series of Sinhala and Tamil banking documentations.
- Advised a major offshore reinsurer on legal and regulatory landscape governing outward reinsurance transactions.
Heritage Partners
Heritage Partners’ practice is led by the ‘exceptional’ Arittha R. Wikramanayake, with support from Eric Dathika Wikramanayake. The team advises on a mix of banking regulation, corporate restructuring and securities law, frequently assisting financial institutions, listed entities and regulators with compliance and governance issues. The practice is noted by clients for providing ‘the most innovative solutions for banking, finance and capital markets’.
Praxisleiter:
Arittha R. Wikramanayake
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Eric Dathika Wikramanayake
Referenzen
‚This firm has the most innovative solutions for banking, finance and capital markets. The regulatory expertise and ability to handle complex transactions is amazing. Their unique and valuable services help us meet the demands of clients within a highly regulated landscape.‘
‚The people handling the work are highly skilled and are experts in their respective areas of practice. They bring innovative solutions to modern day problems. They use cutting edge legal technologies for legal research and case management. They have efficient and accurate billing systems and overall provide an exceptional service to their clients.‘
‚Arittha R. Wikramanayake is exceptional. His experience and expertise is phenomenal. He understands the requirements of the client and advises them with practical solutions.‘
Kernmandanten
Sampath Bank PLC
Hatton National Bank PLC
DFCC Bank PLC
Nations Trust Bank PLC
Merchant Bank of Sri Lanka and Finance PLC
Colombo Stock Exchange
Capital Trust Securities (Private) Limited
Capital Alliance Securities (Private) Limited
First Capital Equities (Private) Limited
SC Securities (Private) Limited
Expolanka Holdings PLC
Nestle Lanka PLC
Digital Mobility Solutions Lanka PLC
Colombo Dockyard PLC
LOLC Holdings PLC
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised on the rehabilitation of Colombo Dockyard PLC, a major Sri Lankan shipbuilding company facing severe financial distress amid the economic crisis.
- Advised Capital Alliance Holdings PLC on its landmark IPO.
- Advised Expolanka Holdings PLC on its delisting from the Colombo Stock Exchange.
Varners
Varners’ team is led by Raj Selvaskandan and Ayanthi Abeyawickrama, who together bring extensive experience across transactional, regulatory, and project finance matters to the group. Selvaskandan’s background in M&A and large-scale development work is complemented by Abeyawickrama’s expertise in capital markets regulation, gained during her tenure at the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka. The team also includes Vinothini Amarasekara, a key figure in debt finance and foreign investment, and Krishanth Rajasooriyar, whose prior experience in the technology sector has positioned him as a specialist in fintech and cross-border transactions.
Praxisleiter:
Raj Selvaskandan; Ayanthi Abeyawickrama
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Vinothini Amarasekara; Krishanth Rajasooriyar; Malarmathy Tharmaratnam; Abdul Razeen
Referenzen
‘Varners go beyond the in-depth understanding of the law to a deep sense of commercial as well as people aspects – which makes them a unique team to work with.‘
‚The team has brought together widespread knowledge, from property to retail to manufacturing, that has helped us in key discussions and negotiations. Their global knowledge about structures is also very useful.’
‘Raj Selvaskandan is a lawyer who can reach out to the core of the business, cut out the the noise and address the key issues at hand in a manner that is acceptable to all parties. This is a rare quality to be seen in lawyers. He is trustworthy and he ensures we take account of all angles in a transaction.’
Kernmandanten
Colombo Port City Economic Commission
Pegasus Capital Advisors
HERCapital
Bank of China
People’s Leasing and Finance PLC
Ceyloan
Commercial Credit & Finance PLC
Capitol Towers Limited
Shearwater Investments
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised the Colombo Port City Economic Commission on the regulatory framework for offshore banking operations within the Colombo Port City SEZ.
- Advised Pegasus Capital Advisors, fund manager for the Global Fund for Coral Reefs, on its $10m financing of a sustainable aquaculture project in Sri Lanka.
- Advised HERCapital on the structuring and establishment of an investment fund supporting women entrepreneurs.