The litigation department at D. L. & F. De Saram is a key firm for handling contentious matters for clients in the public sector, and is especially active in infrastructure, administrative and PPP-related disputes. In addition, the team is notably experienced in arbitrations with a cross-border component, which may involve the construction, oil and textile industries in payment and product bid claims, along with environmental damage litigation.  Jivan Goonetilleke and Dasuni Wijayasiriwardena co-head the practice, and are additionally augmented with the broad expertise of Savantha De Saram.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team is really supportive.’

  • ‘They always keep us updated on the recent developments of the case. Specially they do not forget to remind us of the steps whatsoever that should be taken by us. ’

  • ‘The team possesses adequate knowledge and expertise to direct & advise us where appropriate and coordinate with us in a methodical manner on time. Always communicates and regularly updates the status of legal proceedings currently in progress in the Court of Appeal. ’

  • ‘Mainly associate with Suren de Silva, has very thorough knowledge in the area of customs-related issues and advised the client proactively with clear direction. His approach to handling an issue is very transparent and always maintain integrity while advising to us.’

Key clients

  • Public Joint Stock company Aeroflot – Russian Airlines
  • Paycorp International (Pvt) Ltd
  • D. Samson Industries (Pvt) Ltd
  • Chemosyn Limited
  • Sena Mills Refineries (Pvt) Limited
  • Nawaloka Construction Company (Private) Limited
  • State Trading Corporation (STC)
  • Falcon Incorporation Pte Ltd and Areca Collection (Private) Limited
  • Nestle Lanka PLC
  • Siam City Cement Limited

Work highlights

  • Represented Sena Mills Refineries (Pvt) Ltd, a premier Sri Lankan edible oil refinery with both local and international operations.
  • Represented a client in several high-profile actions and claims against several parties who were associated with the Plaintiff, its shareholders/directors and parent company.
  • Represented Public Joint Stock company “Aeroflot – Russian Airlines” in the Supreme Court.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Jivan Goonetilleke, Dasuni Wijayasriwardena

Other key lawyers

Savantha De Saram, Suren De Silva