ESTABLISHED 1898
A legacy of precision and principled advocacy.
Our Story
A pioneer of legal excellence for over 125 years, D.L. & F. De Saram has been one of Sri Lanka's trusted law firms since 1898, led by generations of the De Saram family and a team of experts dedicated to providing clients with long-term strategic solutions.
Our Heritage and Expertise
Founded by Richard De Saram and named after his sons, Douglas and Fred De Saram, D.L. & F. De Saram commenced its operations in the Gaffoor Building, Colombo Fort. Following a relocation due to military requisition, the firm now stands prominently on C. W. W. Kannangara Mawatha, opposite the Colombo Town Hall.
Over the decades, leadership has remained within the De Saram family, with pioneers like Fred De Saram, Colonel FC, and Coo De Saram who were crucial in broadening the capabilities of the firm. From Michael Sproule and Dijen De Saram, leadership today resides in the trusted hands of Savantha and Prabash De Saram, who continue to grow and preserve the firm's distinguished legacy.
Our expertise spans a significant range of legal practice from Commercial, Banking and Corporate law to more lucrative areas of Intellectual Property, Debt Restructuring and Energy Infrastructure. Guided by past leaders who continue to serve as consultants, D.L. & F. De Saram continues to evolve to address the complex challenges presented by an ever-changing legal and business environment while retaining its reputation as a provider of exceptional legal services.
Century of Sovereignty
International & Local Recognition
D.L. & F. De Saram takes pride in its global reputation and reach with a prestigious client base that connects across the globe, from the United States, United Kingdom and Europe to China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia. As the exclusive Sri Lankan member of the prestigious Lex Mundi legal network, our firm retains a constant rank in top legal directories, including IFLR1000, Asialaw, The Legal 500, and Chambers rankings.
Guided by Experience
Our commitment to People and Practice goes hand in hand with a legacy that was forged not only on legal expertise but inclusivity and diversity. From the appointment of our first female partner in 1995, Nivi Abeyratne, one of Sri Lanka’s sought-after property law practitioners – our Senior Leadership has grown with pride today, to include seven female patterns reinforcing the firm’s diverse representation at the highest levels of direction.
D.L. & F. De Saram is home to a dynamic and progressive team of 10 Partners and over 40 Lawyers, each bring with them a distinct personality, skill set and perspective. We take great initiative in the constant drive within our firm to facilitate sustainable and innovative solutions. Our team is not only devoted to upholding the firm’s ethical principles and values through robust and resilient legal services but also to reinforcing clients’ trust and confidence.
How we think
Across the firm we share one commitment: to advise with integrity and to think commercially, not only legally. Clients expect lawyers who understand their business and the outcome they are working towards — and that is the standard we hold ourselves to on every matter. Our pro bono work, supporting people and causes that need serious legal help, is part of the same commitment.
Our Managing Partner, Savantha De Saram, serves on the Board of Directors of Lex Mundi, the global network of independent law firms — a platform that helps shape international legal standards.
As the firm continues to broaden its capabilities and its international reach, our focus stays the same: clear, practical, commercial advice for clients at home and abroad.
