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.
The firm often 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.
Notable clients include Aman Group,
Windforce, Rentokil Initial UK, Trelleborg, GPV International, Sojitz Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation, Amazon, Sumitomo Mitsui, Facebook and Nippon Express (South Asia and Oceania).
Research period review:
33rd edition (2022/2023)
During the review period, the financial and corporate team often acted on the side of lenders and advised on matters such as financial investment and financing. It also acted for acquirers on private acquisitions.
In the
projects space, the team was involved in various sectors, including entertainment and energy.
The firm recruited Ramesh Perera as consultant counsel.
Deal highlights:
33rd edition (2022/2023)
BPPL Group’s $15 million financing.
D P Logistics’ acquisition of Pulsar Shipping Agencies and Pulsar Marine Services.
Permira’s
acquisition of Acuity Knowledge Partners.
A
100MW solar farm and infrastructure project in Kilinochchi.
Client
feedback:
33rd edition (2022/2023)
Financial services regulatory
“I got the right advice and the drafts of required documentation in good time, enabling us to execute those in a timely and professional manner.”
“DL&F De Saram have been extremely professional and prompt in their legal advisory services. They have shown a high level of
proficiency to
analyse complex legal issues arising out of
the
sale or purchase of shares of a listed company under Sri Lankan laws.”
“They
provide highly
professional
services
and do
more than expected at all times.”
“DL&F have excellent and detailed knowledge of the relevant laws in Sri Lanka and were able to provide comprehensive responses to our queries.”
“They are well connected to the outside/international legal firms and well acquainted with the capabilities of such law firms. They went out of their way to send the RFPs, summarise data, and were with us
until
selection.”
“They provide punctual response and precise advice.”
“Hansi always
provides the support,
advice and solutions we ask for, and on time. Her in-depth knowledge and commitment are commendable. She never hesitates to do or say the right thing. If she is busy, she always assigns someone to attend to our requests or,
alternatively, gets very senior partners involved to
provide the right solution to our requests/needs.”
“Very committed and knowledgeable in banking law.”
“He provides precise advice and has the knowledge for the requested scope of work.”
“Ms. Aloka
Nandasena has been a thoroughly proficient and astute lawyer to have worked with. Along with great communication skills, she is extremely skilled in breaking down complex legal issues and has a great commercial sense of the needs of the
client. She also has sound knowledge of Sri Lankan stock exchange laws.”
“She is very knowledgeable and helpful at all times.”
“Ramesh provided clear and concise advice addressing our queries and demonstrated a good knowledge of relevant Sri Lankan law.”
