Department profile
DL & F De Saram

Corporate/Commercial

Global Guide 2026 : Sri Lanka

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DL & F De Saram

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About

Provided by DL & F De Saram

The firm has been actively involved in several key cross border and local corporate matters including M&As, capital market transactions, restructuring and insolvency, taxation and projects and infrastructure across various industry sectors such as technology and telecommunications, insurance, manufacturing and construction, pharmaceuticals and power and energy. The team has also led complex cross border financing over the years and is regularly mandated by multi-national corporations and banking and financial institutions to advise on a diverse range of transactions, including syndicated lending, trade financing and acquisition financing.

Key clients include China Harbour Engineering Company Limited, Adani Port and SEZ Limited, HPL Properties (West Asia) Pte Ltd, WindForce PLC, ZTE Corporation, Pan Asia Banking Corporation, Export-Import Bank of China, HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank.

Recent work highlights include advising WindForce PLC on its offer for subscription amounting to LKR 3.2Bn and listing on CSE, advising Adani Ports and SEZ Limited on the PPP project to develop and operate the East Container Terminal within the Colombo South Harbour at the Port of Colombo and advising a banking syndicate on the provision acquisition financing of USD 360Mn. to PGP Glass Private Limited (India) to acquire an Indian entity, with a listed subsidiary in Sri Lanka.

Clients (15)

  • China Harbour Engineering Company Limited
  • Akbar Brothers (Private) Limited
  • DirectFN Technology (Private) Limited
  • China Machinery Pipeline Engineering Company Limited
  • Hospinorm Projects GmbH
  • WindForce PLC
  • ZTE Corporation
  • HPL Properties (West Asia) Pte Ltd
  • Adani Port and SEZ Limited
  • Pan Asia Banking Corporation
  • HSBC Bank PLC
  • Export-Import Bank of China
  • Asian Development Bank
  • Citibank N.A
  • Standard Chartered Bank

Industries (11)

  • Power and Energy
  • Hospitality
  • Education
  • Telecommunication
  • Consumer Goods and Services
  • Manufacturing
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Construction
  • Banking and Financial Services
  • Infrastructure
  • IT

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Corporate/Commercial - Sri Lanka

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

DL & F De Saram routinely represents a wide variety of multinational businesses and law firms on Sri Lankan inbound investment issues, including acting as co-counsel alongside international law firms. The firm provides assistance with corporate restructuring in addition to joint ventures and M&A transactions. The team has a notable track record in working on commercial matters concerning the energy, infrastructure, construction, healthcare and insurance sectors, including project development work. The team also offers expertise in cross-border matters across a wide range of jurisdictions and is active in the private equity sphere.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • DL & F De Saram advised Bharti Airtel Limited on the transfer of 100% of shares of its local subsidiary, Airtel Lanka, to Dialog Axiata in consideration of Bharti Airtel being issued shares of Dialog.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They have expert knowledge and experienced supporting staff.

    Corporate/Commercial respondentGlobal

  • The team is very cooperative and available even after the regular business hours. They use multiple channels to connect with the clients.

    Corporate/Commercial respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Aloka Nandasena
    Aloka Nandasena

    Aloka Nandasena

    Aloka Nandasena has a broad legal practice that encompasses corporate restructuring, M&A and project development. Her broad clientele includes multinationals, private equity funds and government bodies.

    • Aloka is an asset and a wonderful support.

      Corporate/Commercial respondentGlobal

    • She personally gets involved in the transactions and her attention to detail and technical expertise stand out.

      Corporate/Commercial respondentGlobal
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  • Savantha De Saram
    Savantha De Saram

    Savantha De Saram

    Savantha De Saram is highly regarded in the Sri Lankan legal market for his skills in handling joint venture, M&A and project development mandates.

    • Savantha has always been very prompt and has ensured that he and his team act as an extended arm.

      Corporate/Commercial respondentGlobal
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  • Hansi Abayaratne
    Hansi Abayaratne

    Hansi Abayaratne

    Hansi Abayaratne has a busy corporate legal practice, regularly advising clients on domestic and cross-border transactions, including corporate restructuring, M&A and company incorporation.

    • Hansi is professional, with extensive knowledge of her field.

      Corporate/Commercial respondentGlobal

    • She is is very approachable and attentive.

      Corporate/Commercial respondentGlobal
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Ranked Individuals at DL & F De Saram (3)

Sri Lanka

Members

Provided by DL & F De Saram

DL & F De Saram has rankings in the following guides

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