Dispute Resolution
Asia-Pacific Guide 2025 : Sri Lanka
Band 2
About
Provided by DL & F De Saram
Specializations
The Firm has a varied dispute resolution practice ranging from personal matters of individual clients to high-value complex commercial disputes of corporate entities, including maritime litigation and arbitration. The Firm has also been involved in prominent public interest litigation challenging executive and administration actions relating to PPP projects, public tenders and fundamental rights applications of national significance.
Clients
The Department represents several multinational companies such as Prima, Tesco, London Stock Exchange Group, The North of England P&I, Assuranceforeningen SKULD (Gjensidig), Nestle Lanka PLC, The Absolut Company Aktiebolog and the British Broadcasting Corporation.
Being the preferred advisor in respect of admiralty disputes, the Firm is consistently retained by several prominent shipping and logistic conglomerates such as CMA CGM, OOCL and BTL. The firm is also the legal correspondents for Steamship Mutual and are also preferred counsel for The North of England, SKULD and Ship Owners.
Work Highlights
Recent work highlights include representing the London Club and its member (Owner of MV “X-Press Pearl”) which caught fire in the Outer Port Limits of the Port of Colombo, representing UBS Switzerland AG on the insolvency of Gulf Petrochem Group and representing Prima Ceylon (Private) Limited on a writ application against the Consumer Affairs Authority.
Chambers Review
DL & F De Saram maintains a successful High Court and Supreme Court litigation practice in Sri Lanka. The firm is active in a wide range of commercial disputes involving finance, labour, construction, defamation and other contentious matters. The team offers expertise in tackling matters related to the shipping sector, advising on ship arrest and cargo disputes.
Work Highlights
- DL & F De Saram acted for Paycorp International in bringing actions and claims against parties who were formerly associated with its shareholders and directors and parent company in respect of claims for damages and injunctive relief in relation to alleged intellectual property violations and theft.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"DL & F De Saram is technically very sound. Its team has thorough knowledge of the subject matter."
"The firm has been responsive and trying to help resolve the issue. The lawyers understand the issues and also not afraid to ask specific questions in order to get to a resolution."
"DL & F De Saram is technically very sound. Its team has thorough knowledge of the subject matter."
"The firm has been responsive and trying to help resolve the issue. The lawyers understand the issues and also not afraid to ask specific questions in order to get to a resolution."
Notable Practitioners
Jivan Goonetilleke is an expert litigation and arbitration practitioner in Sri Lanka, with a strength in maritime-related matters.
"We found him to be a strong advocate in all our previous as well as ongoing assignments. He was easy to work with."
"He is capable of handling any matter with his vast experience and knowledge."
Suren De Silva is a legal counsel based in Colombo and is well-known for his commercial dispute resolution practice. His expertise includes shipping, projects and international trade matters.
"He has a very thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the subject matter and advises and directs us correctly at the appropriate time."
Ranked Lawyers at
DL & F De Saram
Sri Lanka
Members
Provided by DL & F De Saram
Banusha Ravindran
Dasuni Wijayasriwardena
Head of Department
Hasanthie Manukulusooriya
Head of Department
Menushi Perera
Nadine Puvimanasinghe
Sachitra Abeywardane
Shakila Perera
Sonali Ranagala
Supuni Wijekoon
Vishna Liyanage
Yasaswi Silva
Clients
Provided by DL & F De Saram
Allianz Group
British Broadcasting Corporation
Hotel (Developers) Lanka Limited
Nestle Lanka PLC
Orient Overseas Container Line (China) Co. Limited
Prima Ceylon (Private) Limited
Siam City Cement (Lanka) Limited
Steamship Insurance Management Services Limited
UBS Switzerland AG
West of England (Hellas) Limited
Industries
Provided by DL & F De Saram
Aviation
Banking and Financial Services
Consumer Goods and Services
Hotel industry
Insurance
Media and Entertainment
Pharmaceuticals
Projects and Infrastructure
Shipping
Technology and Telecommunications