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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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 islandโ€™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...
Simon & Associates
Colombo, Sri Lanka

Founded in 2002
50 people in their team
Sinhala
English
Tamil
Simon & Associates is one of Sri Lankaโ€™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...
Premier Legal Consultants
Colombo, Sri Lanka

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
Sinhala
English
Tamil
Premier Legal Consultants is a law firm established in Sri Lanka. Our team of lawyers are committed in providing high quality and timely legal services to our clients. We provide a range of legal services for both local and international clients.Premier Legal Consultants is a law firm established...
ATD Legal Associates

ATD Legal Associates

1 hour Free Consultation
Colombo, Sri Lanka

Founded in 1976
10 people in their team
English
Sinhala
Chinese
 Welcome to ATD Legal Associates Innovative Legal Solutions for a Digital and Global EraAt ATD Legal Associate  we specialize in navigating the complexities of modern legal landscapes. From safeguarding your intellectual property to ensuring compliance with international data privacy...
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 Generalโ€™s Department of Sri Lanka, having served for a period of about three decades and who on his...

Founded in 1997
50 people in their team
Sinhala
English
Tamil
The FirmFounded in 1997 by a group of young and dynamic lawyers, Capital Law Chambers & Corporate Consultants (CCCC) has been in the industry for nearly two decades. Since its inception, the Firm has expanded and diversified its operation into multiple sectors.The Firmโ€™s strong reputation...
Melgate International (Pvt) Ltd
Colombo, Sri Lanka

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
Sinhala
English
Tamil
WELCOME TO MELGATEWORK WITH IMMIGRATION ATTORNEYS & LEGAL EXPERTSMelgate is a specialized Immigration Law firm providing a full range of immigration services in your quest to migrate Canada, Australia, NZ, UK, USA or EU countries temporary or permanently and the firm has a global reach in vary...
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...
Neelakandan & Neelakandan
Colombo, Sri Lanka

Founded in 1962
200 people in their team
Sinhala
English
Neelakandan & Neelakandan (formerly Murugesu & Neelakandan) is one of the leading and oldest full-service law firms in Sri Lanka and has been in practice for almost 60 years.The Firm was founded in 1962 by the late Mr. Velupillai Murugesu, and built to be recognised as one of the most...
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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.