Sri Lanka

DL & F De Saram has strong practices in banking and finance, corporate and M&A, dispute resolution and intellectual property. Key contacts for corporate and M&A and banking and finance work are Savantha De Saram and Prabash De Saram respectively.

General business law

Work highlights

Assisting Seoyoung Engineering in conducting a feasibility study for Light Rail Transit Program proposed to be established by the Ministry of Megapolis and Western Development on a PPP basis. This is the first PPP project undertaken in rail transport in Sri Lanka.

Advised KKR on the acquisition of Unilever’s baking, cooking and spreads business, Flora Food Group, for $8 billion.

Advised Mashreqbank in reviewing a $100 million term loan facility.

Key clients

MUFG Bank, Manila Water Asia Pacific, Vitol Asia

FJ & G de Saram has a strong presence in the market. The firm is known for its banking and finance, capital markets and corporate and M&A expertise. The firm is said to have the only litigation team dedicated exclusively to dispute resolution. Key contacts include Anjali Fernando, Avindra Rodrigo, Ayomi Aluwihare-Gunawardene, Himali Mudadeniya, Manjula Ellepola and Shehara Varia.

General business law

Work highlights

Advised the joint lead managers, which includes Citigroup Global Markets, HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank, Deutsche Bank and JP Morgan Securities on a $2.5 billion issuance of sovereign bonds. This was Sri Lanka’s largest sovereign bond issue.

Acted for Groupe Michelin in its global acquisition of shares in the Camso Group of Companies for $1.5 billion.

Acted for Golden Springs Group in the sale of its majority stake in Gold Coin Management for $334 million to Pilmico International, a subsidiary of Aboitiz Equity Ventures.

Representing Dialog Broadband Networks in instituting an action of espionage against Sri Lanka Telecom for alleged wrongful and unlawful possession of DBN’s confidential information.

Key clients

Alibaba Group, Allianz, Colombo Stock Exchange, Marriott International

Client feedback

“Had a good experience working with the firm. They were receptive and understood the issues and highlighted the risks.” - Real estate

“Very good knowledge of corporate affairs.” - Corporate and M&A

John Wilson Partners is establishing itself as a full-service corporate law firm. Case studies show growth in dispute cases handled by the firm. The firm’s dedication to litigation work is exemplified by the hire of a new head of department, Thusitha Nanayakkara. Sameendra Perera and John Wilson are among the key contacts.

General business law

Work highlights

Advised Bupa, a Hong Kong medical insurance company, on the legal and regulatory framework governing introducer arrangements in the field of insurance in Sri Lanka.

Acted for a health solutions company in a trademark infringement matter.

Advised Stromme Microfinance East Africa on regulations covering funds used in connection with microcredit projects in Sri Lanka.

Key clients

Alliance Francaise

Julius & Creasy continues to maintain its position as one of the top law firms. Banking and finance, corporate and M&A and dispute resolution are within its scope of advice. The firm has particular strength in aviation and shipping. Amila Fernando, Anandhiy Gunawardhana, Diluka Rodrigo, Janaki Kumaraguru, Jayanta Swaminathan, Priya Sivagananathan and SA Cader are key partners.

General business law  

Work highlights

Advised UniCredit Bank Austria on a $12 million loan to be granted by the government of Sri Lanka through reviewing the facility agreement.

Acted for Avolon Aerospace Leasing, the purchaser and security trustee, in a sale and financing of an aircraft that is on lease to SriLankan Airlines.

Advising a bank, the main creditor with both secured and unsecured exposure, on the winding-up proceedings and is opposing the winding-up application of garments manufacturing borrower.

Key clients

Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Hutchison Asia Telecom, UK Export Finance

Client feedback

“They have an experienced team. Prompt in action and replies. Always advice with the most practical, commercially viable solutions. They have a collaborative approach, which works well with us.”- Intellectual property

“Very professional. Highly efficient.” - Corporate and M&A

Anomi Wanigasekera

“She is friendly, easy to work with and responsive. Has vast knowledge of the subject matter, IP and commercial. Gives practical solutions and always works towards settlements.”

General business law 

Work highlights 

Assisted the national government in association with the World Bank to improve its ability to manage, structure and negotiate PPPs in infrastructure development. As the sole legal advisor, the firm is working with on and offshore teams of PricewaterhouseCoopers. 

Worked with Gazelle Ventures to purchase a domestic company implementing an innovative project. It involves the integration of sugar manufacturing and firewood and bagasse fuelled power plants. Bagasse is the by-product after extracting juice from sugar cane. 

Acted for Softlogic on its private placement to Samena Capital’s Samena Ceylon.  

Advised the shareholders of DSI Samson on its corporate restructuring. The project involved about 25 subsidiaries and many groups of stakeholders.  

Key clients 

Citibank, Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappij voor Ontwikkelingslanden (FMO), Sampath Bank, Sri Lanka Telecom