Sri Lanka

Founded in 1898, DL&F de Saram is one of the oldest and best-known full-service law firms in Sri Lanka. The firm maintains an office in Colombo and is a member of Lex Mundi.  

The firm provides project finance and project development advice and has strong banking, capital markets and corporate and M&A practices. It frequently acts alongside major international law firms and is experienced in advising on a range of matters including mergers, acquisitions, restructurings, regulatory compliance and project finance. The projects team is often active in the energy, transport, oil and gas, social infrastructure and utilities sectors.  

Highlights  

In a landmark mandate, the firm advised Adani Green Energy on the development of a 484 MW wind power project in Sri Lanka's Northern Province. This project represents one of the largest investments in the country's renewable energy sector and is proposed for designation as a Strategic Development Project. 

In another significant transaction, the firm advised Bharti Airtel on the cross-border share swap and merger of its Sri Lankan subsidiary, Airtel Lanka, with Dialog. This strategic consolidation in the telecommunications sector was legally complex as a cross-border transaction involving a listed company, requiring navigation of multiple regulatory approvals and setting a precedent for market coordination in the region. 

Key clients  

China Development Bank, HSBC, Serendib Engineering Group, Capital Alliance Investments, Citigroup Global Marketing Holdings, Sunshine Healthcare Lanka, CEAT, Bharti Airtel, Adani Green Energy, Space Exploration Technologies 

Testimonials    

“Approachability and speed.” (Capital markets: Equity) 

“Attention to detail, reaction time, expertise.” (M&A) 

“Efficient and cost effective.” (Private equity) 

Hansi Abayaratne 

“Thinking of solutions for the case.” 

Aloka Nandasena 

“Highest standards of excellence in corporate law. Legal expertise. Attention to detail. Being approachable. Being invested in any assignment she undertakes.” 

“Very easy to work with, always responds fast, and has clear communication combined with technical expertise.”