In a landmark mandate, the firm advised the Government of Sri Lanka on its first International Sovereign Bond (ISB) exchange following its economic crisis and payment default. As the first such post-default ISB restructuring, this deal established a crucial precedent for sovereign debt management in a crisis context.
In a pioneering infrastructure privatisation, the firm advised Russia’s Airports of the Regions on the proposed transfer of Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport to an Indian Russian joint venture. This complex mandate required navigating the Civil Aviation Act to enable the country’s first privatisation of a major international airport.
Melco International Development, Airports of the Region, Siam City Cement, Dialog Axiata, International Finance Corporation, Michelin Lanka, Colombo Stock Exchange, Lynear Wealth Management, Citibank, George Stuart & Co
“The team is very experienced and has a high standard of legal knowledge.” (Banking and finance)
“We found FJ&G de Saram’s services to be highly professional, efficient, and commercially minded. Their capital markets team provided clear and practical guidance, which helped us navigate complex regulatory requirements with confidence. Buwankea’s responsiveness and depth of technical expertise, combined with Pravenie’s ability to anticipate issues and provide strategic solutions, made a significant difference to the outcome.” (Capital markets: Equity)
“They advised on regulatory engagement with the Central Bank, developed risk-mitigating contractual frameworks, and interpreted the law in a way that allowed us to function effectively within its constraints. Their strategic and practical approach made a complex legal environment workable.” (Financial services regulatory)
“The team is well versed with the nuances of the law, as well as practical aspects of how the law is implemented/ interpreted.” (Financial services regulatory)
“Very responsive and provide clear practical advice.” (Restructuring and insolvency)
“Ayomi has a wealth of knowledge and is easily accessible. She would give a patient hearing and provide practical and sound advice. She is very helpful whenever we reach out to her.”
“Buwaneka Basanayake demonstrates strong technical expertise in capital markets law and delivers advice that is both thorough and practical. He is highly responsive, pays close attention to detail, and ensures that complex legal issues are explained in a clear and actionable way. What he does particularly well is combining legal rigour with commercial awareness, allowing us to make informed decisions quickly and confidently.”
“Responsiveness and clear guidance.”
“Responsive and efficient, with a good working knowledge and understanding of the law.”
“Anjali Fernando is excellent at interpreting complex regulations and finding practical solutions. She helped us navigate Sri Lankan laws for our casino operations, offering clear, strategic advice that made a rigid legal framework workable. Her regulatory insight and responsiveness were key to the project's success.”
