Best Business Lawyers in Colombo

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John Wilson Partners

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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Iconic Partners Private Limited

Iconic Partners Private Limited

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
Sinhala
English
Tamil
About Iconic PartnersICONIC PARTNERS, reputed among the handful of Legal Consultancy and Business Advisory firms in Sri Lanka functions in the Heart of Colombo with the objective of achieving the foremost rank in the fields of Litigation Consultancy Services and Corporate Advisory Services.The firm...
Gregory's Partners

Gregory's Partners

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Founded in 1970
200 people in their team
Sinhala
English
Tamil
AboutThe Sri Lankan economy and therefore its legal system has traditionally been influenced by the island’s colonial past. Thus, the legal profession in Sri Lanka was traditionally divided into two fractions based on functionality influenced by a similar divide in the English Legal system.The...
Chambers Colombo

Chambers Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Founded in 1995
50 people in their team
Sinhala
Tamil
English
We at ChambersThe legal world is constantly changing and becoming ever more competitive and demanding .We at Chambers believe, that we are well placed to meet these demands. We constantly strive to provide innovative and creative solutions to difficult and complex legal and commercial problems. Our...
C. Mathew & Co.

C. Mathew & Co.

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Founded in 1892
200 people in their team
Sinhala
English
Tamil
About Us & Our History"Necessarily in connection with the shipping of so important a port as Colombo there is a large field for the business of ship chandlers and stevedores ; and Messrs. C. Mathew & Co., the leading local firm in this line, conduct operations on an extensive scale. This...
de Livera Associates

de Livera Associates

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Founded in 1872
200 people in their team
Sinhala
English
Tamil
HISTORY & LEGAL INSPIRATIONThe Firm of De Livera Associates was founded, by Solomon Christoffel Obeyesekere De Livera, popularly known as Christo De Livera, on his retirement from the Attorney General’s Department of Sri Lanka, having served for a period of about three decades and who on his...
Nithi Murugesu & Associates

Nithi Murugesu & Associates

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Founded in 1962
200 people in their team
Sinhala
English
Tamil
Nithi   Murugesu   &   Associates   are   a   team   of   experienced   Attorneys-at-Law   and   Patent   & Trademark  Agents  who  specialize  in  all  areas  of  civil  and...
Central Corporate & Consultancy Services - CCCS

Central Corporate & Consultancy Services - CCCS

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
Sinhala
English
Tamil
ABOUT CCCSCCCS is the Corporate Secretarial and Investment facilitation arm of Tiruchelvam Associates which is one of the leading law firms in Sri Lanka. The Company services an Impressive portfolio of local and international clientele and has recently completed 25 years of distinction in providing...
F J & G de Saram

F J & G de Saram

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Founded in 1841
200 people in their team
Sinhala
Tamil
English
The FirmHistoryF. J. & G. de Saram is the oldest law firm in Sri Lanka.The practice was commenced in 1841 by F. J. de Saram. Snr., the same year in which the overland emigration to California began by wagon trail. Melbourne in Australia was founded only six years before that.In Sri Lanka those...
Julius & Creasy

Julius & Creasy

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Founded in 1879
200 people in their team
Sinhala
English
Tamil
Our HistoryWith its near 140 year history Julius & Creasy is one of the oldest law Firms in Sri Lanka, while also being the largest. Its reputation is one that has been built on rich tradition as well as the caliber of professionals passing through its corridors.The beginnings of the...
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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.