Best Employment & Labor Lawyers in Colombo

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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...

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 Firm’s strong reputation...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
AW Chambers
Colombo, Sri Lanka

Founded in 1986
10 people in their team
AW Chambers marks 40 years of experience in criminal defence, litigation, corporate and commercial law, regulatory matters, and legal advisory work, with cases argued before the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Courts, and lower courts across Sri Lanka. The firm is led by Precedent Partner...
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;...
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 Employment & Labor Law in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Labor and employment law in Colombo, Sri Lanka is governed by a mixture of common law, statute and contract. The rights and obligations of employees and employers are regulated by a combination of the Shop and Office Employees Act, the Wages Board Ordinance and the Industrial Disputes Act, among others. These main legislative instruments protect the rights of employees about fair treatment, safe working conditions, access to health care, minimum wage, and trade union representation.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Given the intricate nature of these laws, there can often be disputes or conflicts, hence the need for legal representation. Common situations where one may need a lawyer include wrongful termination, workplace discrimination, harassment, wage disputes, non-compliance of safety regulations, contract disputes, and trade union conflicts. In such cases, a lawyer well-versed in Sri Lankan employment law can be invaluable, providing the necessary guidance, advice, and representation, whether in court or out-of-court settlement negotiations.

Local Laws Overview

Relevant local laws pertaining to employment and labor regulations are particularly important to know. For instance, the Shop and Office Employees (SOE) Act mandates a maximum 45-hour workweek plus a 15-hour maximum workweek of overtime. It also sets public holidays, maternity leave regulations, and statutory benefits. The Wages Board Ordinance comes into play to determine minimum pay and terms of employment in certain industries. The Termination of Employment of Workmen Act (TEWA) provides specific procedures that employers must follow before terminating employees.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the minimum wage laws in Sri Lanka?

The minimum wage may vary depending on the type of work and the respective Wages Board that governs it. As per the Wages Board Ordinance, each industry is governed by a specific Wages Board, which outlines the minimum pay for that industry.

What should I do in case of wrongful termination?

If you believe you've been wrongfully terminated, it's advisable to contact a labor law attorney. They can guide you through the process of filing a complaint with the Commissioner General of Labor or taking your case to the Labor Tribunal, as per the Termination of Employment of Workmen Act (TEWA).

Can an employee refuse to work overtime?

Under normal circumstances, according to the SOE, employees can refuse to work more than 15 hours of overtime in a week. However, this requirement can be exempted in emergency situations.

What rules apply to maternity leave?

According to the Maternity Benefits Ordinance, female employees are entitled to 84 days of maternity leave for their first two live childbirths. They're also entitled to half pay for a further 84 days.

What are the laws regarding trade unions?

The Trade Union Ordinance provides the legal basis for the formation and registration of trade unions in Sri Lanka, and the collective rights and responsibilities of trade union members are governed by the Industrial Disputes Act.

Additional Resources

The Department of Labor's website provides comprehensive information on labor laws and updates. The Employers' Federation of Ceylon can provide advice and assistance to employers on various legal matters, and the Free Trade Zone & General Services Employees Union supports employees in labor disputes. Legal institutions like the Sri Lanka Law College can also provide basic legal help and guidance.

Next Steps

If you find yourself in need of legal assistance, it is important to collect all relevant documents and evidence related to your case. Contact a labor law attorney in Colombo who has a good understanding of Sri Lanka’s labor laws. They can guide you on the possible legal remedies available, whether it's negotiating a settlement, representing you before a tribunal, or filing a legal suit in case of more serious infringements.

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 Employment & Labor, 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.