The labour and employment at D. L. & F. De Saram is retained by high-value multinational companies, including Allianz Group and Tesco Sourcing, in mandates requiring expertise in multijurisdictional employment law, strategic advice in employment law compliance, dual employment both domestically and abroad, as well as termination of operations during restructurings. The team is also experienced in representing non-plaintiffs in unjust termination claims before the labour tribunal, including those challenged by trade unions. The team is co-headed by its senior partners Jivan Goonetileke, Manjula Sirimane and Hasanthie Manukulasooriya. Associate Nadine Puvimanasinghe is a highly active member of the team, representing clients at the appellate level in labour policy compliance, as well as advising restructured clients in employment-related matters.

Tiruchelvam Associates‘ labour and employment division is a port of call for highly-valuable, sophisticated employment-related issues, and is a strong presence for matters with an international component. The team oversees domestic disputes involving the large-scale termination of contracts by business, as well as the drafting of employment contracts for newly incorporated subsidiaries of international clients. In addition, the team is experienced in multijurisdictional employment-related issues, involving both inbound and outbound work visas. The team is jointly headed by senior partner Ramani Muttettuwegama along with senior associates Michael Paiva and Ayendra Wickremesekera, both of whom operate in labour-related litigation that reach the appellate and Supreme Court.

Shehara Varia leads the labour and employment department at F. J. & G. De Saram overseeing cases involving large-scale employment contract disputes in the oil, hospitality and financial sectors. The team has notable experience in advising local and multinational clients in setting up workplaces compliant with local labour regulations, an area in which Shevanthi Perera is a notable practitioner. Additionally, Rozali Fernando is active in the team’s contentious work, such as contract termination disputes, as well as advisory services in matters pertaining to employee discipline.

Sudath Perera Associates‘ labour and employment practice handles contentious workplace litigation, including wrongful terminations and gross misconduct by employees, as well as advising international clients in employment related matters, including local labour compliance. As a result, the firm’s co-heads Sudath Perera, Manoj Bandara and Thidas Herath are experienced in both domestic and cross-border employment matters. Associates Thamali Wijekoon and Sachini Fernando are both highly active in labour litigation and advisory matters.

John Wilson Partners‘ labour and employment department is headed by founding partner John Wilson Jr, and is noted for its ‘deep expertise in Sri Lankan employment law’ in a variety of labour-related mandates. This includes formation of employment policy designed to comply with labour regulation, for both local and foreign clients. The team is also experienced in cross-border litigation, especially in matters involving failure to comply with employment agreements.