The team at Nithya Partners acts for entities such as the State Bank of India and Bank of China Limited in a range of banking and finance matters. The group's workload includes advising on ultra-high-value facility agreements in international contexts, assisting local banks with loan agreements, and handling the regulatory aspects of transactions. Practice head Naomal Goonewardena and senior associate Chalani Dissanayake are the key figures to note. In September 2023 Peshala Attygalle departed for an in-house role.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Nithya Partners have a very professional and competent team. They are very strong in banking, finance, corporate, and capital markets-related legal advisory services.'
- 'Naomal Goonewardana is a rare professional with expertise in law, tax, and finance. This comes very handy in deal structuring as he brings a wide perspective to the table. He is very innovative and provides unique solutions.'
- 'They have always been supportive in all aspects of banking.'
- 'With their experience in this field, they provide more insights to the cases ensuring required standards are met in accordance with the laws and regulations in place. All the staff at Nithya Partners that we have associated with have always been collaborative and ensured things are done at our convenience.'
- 'Naomal adopted a flexible and a practical approach to all matters which is of utmost importance to us.'
- 'The team consists of very experienced qualified individuals we can rely on.'
- 'They always provide accurate and timely opinions.'
- 'Naomal provides an exceptional service.'
Key clients
- Bank of China Limited
- Seylan Bank PLC
- Sampath Bank PLC
- Bank of Ceylon
- DFCC Bank PLC
- State Bank of India
- Citizens Development Business Finance PLC
- Commercial Leasing and Finance PLC
- NDB Investment Bank Limited
- Hatton National Bank PLC
Work highlights
- Advised the State Bank of India as lender in relation to an amendment extending the Facility Agreement for a sum of $1bn granted to the Government of Sri Lanka in March 2022.
- Advised a syndicate of local banks in relation to an amendment to the syndicated term loan of a sum of $12m granted to a property development for a project.
- Advised the trade association representing commercial banks in Sri Lanka on representations to be made to the regulator in connection with a proposed financial consumer protection regulation.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Chalani Dissanayake
Nithya PartnersPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Naomal Goonewardena