Dispute Resolution
Asia-Pacific Guide 2024 : 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. DL & F De Saram represents leading clients such as Nestlé Lanka, D. Samson Industries and Sena Mills Refineries.
Work Highlights
- DL & F De Saram represented British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in a case brought against it by a local business person in Sri Lanka, who claimed for defamation based on comments made in an interview conducted by BBC Sinhala Service. The firm represented BBC before the District Court and the High Court of Civil Appeal of Colombo.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The team are able to handle complex litigation and coordinate between various parties. They are well aware of the processes and procedures of litigation."
"The lawyers who have engaged with us are knowledgeable and guide us well on local laws and rules."
"The team are able to handle complex litigation and coordinate between various parties. They are well aware of the processes and procedures of litigation."
"The lawyers who have engaged with us are knowledgeable and guide us well on local laws and rules."
Notable Practitioners
Jivan Goonetilleke is an expert litigation and arbitration practitioner in Sri Lanka, with a strength in maritime-related matters.
"Jivan demonstrates a strong skill set with respect to the applicable law and is good at strategising. He is able to foresee and predict issues, which one would not usually see coming. He puts the interest of the client first and is excellent to work with."
"He is easy to approach and always ready and willing to listen. He gives sound advice."
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 is very knowledgeable and we do not have to think about the work once we hand it over to Suren. He is always helpful."
"He always advises us with a high level of confidence and accuracy."
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