Lawyers and advisers in Sri Lanka
Find proven, recommended lawyers and advisers in Sri Lanka. Lawyers here are Attorneys-at-Law, admitted and enrolled by the Supreme Court, and the legal system mixes Roman-Dutch law, English-based commercial law and personal laws such as Kandyan law, Thesavalamai and Muslim law. Compare the profiles below and contact an adviser directly.
The most represented practice areas in Sri Lanka are Banking & Finance, Full and Intellectual Property. Use the filters below to narrow by specialism or practice area, or search by name or firm.
Experts
Himani Perera
Sudath Perera Associates is one of Sri Lanka’s leading full-service law firms with a team of highly skilled and experienced professionals specializing in varied aspects of the law. The firm has a well-established reputation of being…
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Pranavan Neelakandan
Neelakandan & Neelakandan, a leading Colombo law firm with more than 60 years of practice where Pranavan Neelakandan is a Partner, has been named Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year in Sri Lanka at the Corporate INTL Global Awards 2025.
View profile →Frequently asked questions
What legal system does Sri Lanka have?
Sri Lanka has a mixed legal system. Roman-Dutch law is the residual common law, while commercial law is largely based on English law because the Civil Law Ordinance applies English law to maritime and commercial matters unless a local statute says otherwise. Personal laws also apply to certain communities: Kandyan law, Thesavalamai and Muslim law. Under the Constitution, Sinhala and Tamil are the languages of the courts, and the Minister of Justice may permit the use of English in court records and proceedings.
How do I check that a lawyer is qualified in Sri Lanka?
Lawyers in Sri Lanka are Attorneys-at-Law of the Supreme Court. The Constitution allows the Supreme Court to make rules for the admission, enrolment, suspension and removal of Attorneys-at-Law, and applications for enrolment are lodged with the Registrar of the Supreme Court. Ask any lawyer you are considering for details of their enrolment as an Attorney-at-Law of the Supreme Court before you instruct them. The Bar Association of Sri Lanka is the national professional body for Attorneys-at-Law.
Which court handles commercial disputes in Sri Lanka?
The High Court of the Western Province, commonly called the Commercial High Court, has exclusive jurisdiction over specified commercial matters under the High Court of the Provinces (Special Provisions) Act, No. 10 of 1996. This covers actions arising from commercial transactions, such as banking, import and export, insurance and mercantile agency, above a monetary threshold set by law, as well as certain applications under the Companies Act. A local Attorney-at-Law can tell you whether your dispute falls within its jurisdiction.
How much does a lawyer cost in Sri Lanka?
Fees depend on the adviser and the work. Many lawyers charge by the hour, while some offer a fixed fee for defined tasks. Before you instruct anyone, ask for a written estimate or engagement letter that sets out how fees and expenses will be charged.
Do I need a local lawyer or adviser in Sri Lanka if I am based abroad?
Often, yes. Lawyers are Attorneys-at-Law admitted and enrolled by the Supreme Court, and court proceedings are conducted in Sinhala or Tamil unless the use of English is permitted. Companies are incorporated with the Department of the Registrar of Companies, which runs the eROC online system, under the Companies Act No. 7 of 2007. A local adviser can handle filings, court work and dealings with local authorities while you remain abroad.
How do I contact a lawyer or adviser in Sri Lanka through Corporate INTL?
Open any profile on this page to see the contact details the firm has provided, such as telephone, email and website. Every profile also has a "Contact via Corporate INTL" button if you would rather send your request through us.