Labour and employment in Sri Lanka

D. L. & F. De Saram

D. L. & F. De Saram's labour and employment practice is recognised for handling the full spectrum of advisory and contentious matters, with longstanding strength in representing both multinational corporations and domestic clients. The practice is jointly led by Jivan Goonetilleke, Manjula Sirimane and Hasanthie Manukulasooriya, whose combined expertise spans strategic advisory work, complex restructurings and contentious matters before tribunals and higher courts. Nadine Puvimanasinghe is another key team member.

Praxisleiter:

Jivan Goonetilleke; Manjula Sirimane; Hasanthie Manukulasooriya


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Nadine Puvimanasinghe


Referenzen

‚The team is experienced in law and its practical applications. They are well-equipped to provide you with quick advice whenever there is an issue at hand.‘

‚They have always been very proactive in preparing the clients for the issues which may arise as well as with the new legal reforms which will be introduced.‘

‚The lawyers are very friendly and approachable, they can fully integrate with the client team seamlessly, making communication smooth.‘

Kernmandanten

Lululemon


HSBC Electronic Data Processing Lanka (Pvt) Limited


Amnesty International Limited


Ericsson


Virtusa (Private) Limited


Servier International Group


International Research & Exchange Board (IREX)


Allianz Group


Prima Ceylon (Private) Limited


Associated British Food Group (A B Mauri Lanka (Private) Limited)


Pernod Ricard


Siam City Cement (Lanka) Limited


ZTE Corporation


HCL Technologies Limited


Fresenius Medical Care Asia-Pacific Limited


Mines Advisory Group


Greenpeace South Asia


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Lululemon Athletica Canada on compliance with local employment and labour laws for launching operations in Sri Lanka.
  • Advised HSBC Electronic Data Processing Lanka (Pvt) Limited on labour and employment disputes.
  • Advised Amnesty International Limited on navigating employment terminations in Sri Lanka due to redundancies following US-issued Stop Work Orders, ensuring compliance with local labour laws.

Tiruchelvam Associates

Tiruchelvam Associates’ labour and corporate immigration team is noted for its breadth of expertise in employment advisory, restructuring and dispute resolution mandates, alongside its well-regarded immigration practice. The group is led by Ramani Muttettuwegama, whose experience in labour law and tax is sought after by multinational companies and local employers alike, particularly on redundancy processes and payroll compliance. She is supported by counsel Ayendra Wickremesekera, who draws on significant disputes experience to guide clients through employment conflicts. Michael Paiva leads the firm’s corporate immigration work, advising global businesses on the mobility of employees into and out of Sri Lanka, with particular strength in navigating regulatory processes and liaising with authorities.

Praxisleiter:

Ramani Muttettuwegama; Michael Paiva; Ayendra Wickremesekera


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Najma Rizwan


Referenzen

‘Approachability of the team and on-time responsiveness.‘

‚Excellent knowledge of partners on labour laws.’

‘Ramani Muttettuwegama – exceptional in knowledge and support with regard to labour and employment related laws.’

Kernmandanten

MAN Energy Solutions Lanka (Pvt) Ltd


Enfection (Pvt) Ltd


Deloitte (Sri Lanka)


Global Communities


Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)


Fakhoury Global Immigration (U.S.A)


Sika Lanka (Private) Limited


K2 Corporate Mobility


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising Applexus Technologies on the complete redundancy process in relation to the closure of its operations in Sri Lanka.
  • Advising Enfection on the structuring and implementation of an Employee Share Option Scheme.

F. J. & G. De Saram

F. J. & G. De Saram’s employment law practice advises on the full range of workplace issues, from recruitment and contracts through to terminations and disputes. The practice is led by Shehara Varia and Shevanthi Perera, who regularly guide multinational and domestic employers on restructuring, voluntary retirement schemes and regulatory compliance. Rozali Fernando also covers wider commercial matters alongside labour law. The team is increasingly active in advising on new areas such as data protection, intellectual property in the workplace, and the impact of AI on employee policies.

Praxisleiter:

Shehara Varia; Shevanthi Perera; Rozali Fernando


Referenzen

‘Shevanthi Perera is responsive, reliable, and sharp – a real asset to the client.’

‘A reliable and excellent law firm that always provides us with appropriate solutions to labour and employment issues crucial to the operation of our office, based on its many years of experience and outstanding expertise.’

‘They always provide quick advice and responses when needed. We also appreciate that they take our requests into consideration and offer solutions that are tailored to our needs.’

Kernmandanten

Japan International Cooperation Agency


Rippling Inc.


Persistent Technologies ( Private) Limited


Asian Paints Group


Remote Technologies


H2O (Private) Limited


Michelin Lanka ( Private) Limited


Melco Resorts ( Private) Limited


Fitch Rating


Turkish Airlines Limited


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising Michelin Lanka (Private) Limited on all employment-related aspects relating to the divestment of its construction compact line business to CEAT Limited.

Sudath Perera Associates

Sudath Perera Associates has developed a notable reputation in employment and labour relations, with the practice increasingly instructed on high-value and sensitive disputes. The team is led by Thidas Herath, who regularly represents clients in contentious matters before courts and tribunals, particularly in large-scale industrial disputes, collective bargaining exercises and redundancy processes. The team advises a broad mix of multinational and domestic companies across sectors such as aviation, construction, media, banking and hospitality, and is often engaged on sensitive issues involving senior executives. Alongside its contentious focus, the group provides ongoing support on compliance, workplace policies and contractual arrangements. Thamali Wijekoon is recognised for her work on investigations, discrimination and cross-border employment structures, while Anjalie Fonseka frequently handles disputes arising from union negotiations and restructuring.

 

Praxisleiter:

Thidas Herath


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Thamali Wijekoon; Anjalie Fonseka


Referenzen

‘The team I work with is very efficient.‘

‚Based on our issues and complexities, they always provide us with alternatives, ideas and solutions.’

‘Thidas Herath is my main contact person, he has a lovely and charismatic personality. I appreciate Thidas and his team and knowing they are managing our cases gives me peace of mind.’

Kernmandanten

Alliance Media Company (Pvt) Ltd


Asia Broadcasting Corporation (Pvt) Ltd


Ceylon Tobacco Corporation PLC


Fonterra Brands Lanka (Pvt) Ltd


German Development Corporation (GIZ)


GLC (Global Leading Conferences) Private Limited


Maga Engineering (Pvt) Ltd


Reckitt Benckiser Lanka Ltd


The Colombo Plan Secretariat


Toyota Lanka (Pvt) Ltd


DEEL Inc.