Asialaw Profiles
The Guide to the legal markets of the Asia-Pacific

DL&F de Saram remains “a tough firm to beat” in the banking and finance market, says one peer. The firm has boasted a pedigree of excellence ever since it was created a number of decades ago, with clients and peers vouching for its continued expertise and ability. One client says: “We’ve worked mostly with partners Prabash de Saram and Suren de Silva, both of whom garner great respect in the market. They both have a good understanding of financial market requirements.” A notable matter last year involved advice to Chinese law firm China Venturetec Law Office. This was on exchange controls, taxation laws and the local legal framework relating to loans of over US$500 million from the China Development Bank to the government of Sri Lanka and government controlled banks.

DL&F de Saram retains considerable clout in the M&A area of practice, with one client saying: “The firm has great expertise in the country. It always aims to provide simple solutions in an otherwise complex environment.” Partner Prabash De Saram is recommended by peers and clients as a “top professional of the highest order”. The firm advised Hong Kong entity China Merchant Holdings International on a proposed joint venture relating to Colombo Port Expansion Project’s new South Container Terminal. “We have found the firm to be knowledgeable on a range of topics,” adds another client, “and we consult it on every aspect of our business and legal needs.”

DL&F de Saram has decades of legal experience and is a “worthy and excellent” firm, say peers. Partner Suren de Silva is praised by clients: “He’s great value for the advice provided.” The firm advises local engineering and construction entities Maga Engineering and NEM Construction as well as the Trelleborg Group on arbitration, litigation and other dispute resolution matters. It maintains superlative relations with foreign firms, such as its work for clients of UK firm Holman Fenwick & Willan in an enforcement of an arbitral award. One peer says: “The firm’s a worthy opponent in the domestic market, and we honestly like working with the lawyers as they are all quite professional.”

“DL&F de Saram is a one-stop shop for legal services in Sri Lanka,” says an international client. The firm is involved in various cross border matters, and has maintained a considerable IP expertise. One competitor says: “I would rate it in IP by virtue of its clients as well as its ability.” The firm advised local conglomerate Capital Maharaja Organisation and PepsiCo India in matters regarding the restructuring and transfer of 50 trade marks. Foreign firms place great trust in the firm’s legal capabilities, with Korea’s Manmin IP & Law and Japan’s Sakai International Patent Office retaining the firm for advice on domestic legal and IP issues.