Best Business Lawyers in Colombo

Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.

Free. Takes 2 min.

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...
View profile
Frankmillers Law Firm
Colombo, Sri Lanka

Founded in 2005
3 people in their team
English
Frankmillers is a full-service law firm and Migration Consultant in Sri Lanka. Frankmillers is regarded as one of the prominent law firms in Colombo, Sri Lanka, with a strong institutional commitment to the highest quality legal service. The firm has catered to both the litigation and the corporate...
Nithya Partners
Colombo, Sri Lanka

Founded in 1997
50 people in their team
Sinhala
Tamil
English
INTRODUCTIONNithya Partners was established in 1997 with the goal of delivering a modern and responsive service in corporate and financial law. The Firm is led by a group of Partners who combine a unique blend of multi-disciplinary experience along with an extensive knowledge base of several years...
Invictus Law
Colombo, Sri Lanka

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
Sinhala
English
Tamil
Invictus Law is a modern and progressive law firm providing a comprehensive range of legal services and solutions for both domestic and international clients.We pride ourselves in providing timely, practical & commercially sensible solutions to our clients and we specialize in multiple fields...
Layards and Stuart
Colombo, Sri Lanka

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
Sinhala
Tamil
English
Who we are and how we workLayards & Stuart is a law firm based in Colombo, Sri Lanka providing quality legal advice, solutions and representation to both local and international corporate clients. Our experience in cross-border and emerging economies gives us the market perspective to be your...
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...
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...
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...
Qanunie Consultants
Colombo, Sri Lanka

Founded in 2021
4 people in their team
English
Sinhala
Who We Are: Qanunie Consultants offer a multitude of legal services covering a wide scope ranging from legal consultancy, contracts management, company secretarial, conveyancing to civil and corporate litigation as well as HRM and business administration. Comprising a team of highly qualified...
Legante

Legante

30 minutes Free Consultation
Colombo, Sri Lanka

Founded in 2024
6 people in their team
English
Tamil
Sinhala
Legante is a progressive full-service law firm in Sri Lanka, offering strategic legal solutions in intellectual property, commercial law, labor law, dispute resolution, regulatory compliance, and cross-border investment advisory, with a strong international outlook. Please visit our website;...
AS SEEN ON

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.