Best Business Lawyers in Colombo

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John Wilson Partners
Colombo, Sri Lanka

Founded in 1920
12 people in their team
Afrikaans
English
French
Sinhala
Tamil
Swedish
ABOUT US: Founded in 1920 by the late Senator John Wilson, the firm is an established legal practice in Sri Lanka, providing service in the areas of civil litigation, commercial law and notarial practice to corporations, financial institutions and individuals. John Wilson Partners has an...
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JK Chambers
Colombo, Sri Lanka

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
Sinhala
English
Tamil
We are a law firm with an experienced, resourceful and efficient team dedicated towards servicing our clients to achieve success through outstanding and customized legal services with strategic and innovative solutions to all complex legal challenges.With a vision to become one of the leading law...
B R De Silva & Company
Colombo, Sri Lanka

Founded in 1954
200 people in their team
Sinhala
English
Tamil
About B.R.De Silva & CO.B. R. De Silva & Co. is a firm of Chartered Accountants with a range of services having access to international resources and expertise, giving emphasis on quality and personal attention. Established in 1954, the firm is one of the well established local firms with...
A & N Partners
Colombo, Sri Lanka

Founded in 2003
50 people in their team
Sinhala
English
Tamil
About UsA & N PARTNERS group was established in 2003 with the sole objective of providing an efficient and personalized service in all aspects of corporate, property, commercial, industrial, civil & criminal law and all aspects of the Human Resource Management. We are committed towards...
Dhammika Ranasinghe
Colombo, Sri Lanka

Founded in 1995
50 people in their team
Sinhala
English
Tamil
Experienced Partner with a demonstrated history of working in the legal services industry. Skilled in Securities, Corporate Law, Corporate Governance, Legal Research, Compliance and Foreign Investment. Strong entrepreneurship professional with a Attorney At Law of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka...
DIMEAN LAW CHAMBERS
Colombo, Sri Lanka

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
Sinhala
English
Tamil
DIMEAN is a premier law firm based in Colombo, Sri Lanka. We aim to provide a personalized service tailored to the specific requirements of our clients. Our attorneys aim to provide innovative legal solutions in various disciplines.DIMEAN is established by a blend of young...
A WIJESINGHE CHAMBERS
Colombo, Sri Lanka

Founded in 2008
5 people in their team
English
Sinhala
Tamil
We are a professional team offering a broad range of services tailored to both businesses and individuals. Our expertise spans legal, corporate, and advisory areas, ensuring that clients receive comprehensive solutions suited to their unique needs. Specializing in company secretarial services,...
TRIVE LEGAL ASSOCIATES
Colombo, Sri Lanka

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
Sinhala
English
Tamil
OverviewRanging from the work of an Instructing Attorney to fully fledged Counsel in the Courts of First Instance, Appellate Courts and any other for a. We also facilitate mediations, arbitrations, negotiations, settlementWe specialize in Company Law, Commercial Law, Intellectual Property, Shipping...
Colombo Law Alliance (CLA)
Colombo, Sri Lanka

Founded in 2012
50 people in their team
Introduction to CLAThe team at CLA brings together extensive experience and expertise in providing specialized legal services to a substantial network of clients both in the private sector and the public sector. These services are provided in connection with litigation, arbitration, negotiation of...
Simon & Associates
Colombo, Sri Lanka

Founded in 2002
50 people in their team
Sinhala
English
Tamil
Simon & Associates is one of Sri Lanka’s leading legal firms, providing legal counsel and corporate secretarial services to portfolio consisting of local and multinational clients.Led by Simon Senaratna who brings substantial experience in the legal and business sectors, together with Nirosha...
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About Business Law in Colombo, Sri Lanka

In Colombo, Sri Lanka, business law is significantly influenced by the British legal system owing to its colonial history. The legal framework related to business covers various areas such as company formation, operational law, tax law, labor law, intellectual property rights, and more. Importantly, the country is a signatory to many international conventions, making it a favorable terrain for international business operations too.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Involving a lawyer in your business processes can be instrumental in ensuring compliance with local and international laws. From establishing a business, preparing contracts, resolving disputes to dealing with complicated regulatory issues, professional legal advice can mitigate risks. Furthermore, lawyers can also help you navigate through challenging situations such as mergers, acquisitions, or even bankruptcy.

Local Laws Overview

The Companies Act No. 7 of 2007 is the primary legislation governing businesses in Sri Lanka. It makes provisions for the incorporation, management, regulation and dissolution of companies. The Board of Investment Law manages foreign investments, Intellectual Property Act takes care of copyrights, patents, and trademarks, while Import and Export regulations address the international trade policies. Moreover, there are regulations for taxation, labor law, and environmental law that businesses must adhere to.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I form a company in Colombo?

The company formation process in Sri Lanka involves business registration with the Registrar of Companies through an online portal, and it includes several steps such as submitting the Articles of Association, the Form 1, Form 18 and Form 19.

Are there any special regulations for foreign businesses?

Foreign businesses may have to meet additional requirements such as obtaining BOI approval. Also, for some sectors, there are limitations on the level of foreign ownership.

How is the intellectual property protected in Colombo?

Intellectual property in Sri Lanka is protected under the Intellectual Property Act of 2003. This includes copyrights, patents, trademarks, industrial designs, and trade secrets.

What are the labor laws principles in Colombo?

The Shop and Office Employees Act, the Factories Ordinance and the Wages Board Ordinance are main laws protecting workers' rights in Colombo, Sri Lanka. They cover aspects like working hours, wages, leave, and health and safety.

What are the regulations about tax in Colombo?

Businesses in Sri Lanka are subject to various taxes such as income tax, economic service charge, VAT, NBT, customs duties, and others. The specific rates and applicability may vary depending on the nature of the business.

Additional Resources

The Department of Registrar of Companies, Board of Investment, the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, and the Department of Labor are crucial institutions for dealings in business law. They provide valuable resources and tools for business owners.

Next Steps

If you seek legal assistance in Business, consider finding a reputable legal firm in Colombo. Ensure the firm specializes in business law and has experience regarding your specific area of concern. It is advisable to prepare noted details about your legal needs, gather necessary documents, and be ready to articulate your expectations clearly for effective assistance.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Colombo through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Business, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Colombo, Sri Lanka - quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.