Best Employment & Labor Lawyers in Colombo

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Invictus Law

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...
D. L. & F. De Saram

D. L. & F. De Saram

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Founded in 1898
65 people in their team
English
Sinhala
Chinese
D. L. & F. De Saram is one of the oldest law firms in Sri Lanka, founded in 1898 by Richard Francis De Saram, and carried on in partnership by his sons, Douglas and Fred De Saram. This tradition endured successively into the 20th century when Fred De Saram’s sons, Colonel F.C. De Saram, F. J....
Capital Law Chambers & Corporate Consultants

Capital Law Chambers & Corporate Consultants

Colombo, Sri Lanka

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...
TRIVE LEGAL ASSOCIATES

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...
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...
Simon & Associates

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...
Paul Ratnayeke Associates

Paul Ratnayeke Associates

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Founded in 1987
50 people in their team
Sinhala
Tamil
English
Paul Ratnayeke AssociatesPaul Ratnayeke Associates was founded in 1987 by its Senior Partner, Mr. J. H. Paul Ratnayeke to create a more focused, efficient and responsive practice in the fields of Corporate, Commercial, Litigation and Financial law.The firm ensures that all clients’ legal needs...
Melgate International (Pvt) Ltd

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...
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...
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 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.