Navigating the complexities of global jurisprudence.

The Supreme Court (SC) in a landmark judgment delivered on 8th July 2025 in SC/CHC/Appeal No. 24/2008, has revisited and clarified the foundational legal concepts of suretyship and indemnity under Sri, pertaining to personal guarantees. In this case Their Lordships have re-affirmed the stance of the Commercial High Court judgment by which the two sureties/directors were made liable, in their capacity as sureties/guarantors, for the repayment of two loans granted to M/s Seneviratne Trading Compa

Trademark Registration in Sri Lanka is a critical step for any business seeking long-term success. While building brand recognition is essential, protecting that brand through proper legal registration is what ensures its value and exclusivity over time. Whether you are a startup introducing your first product or an established company expanding into the Sri Lankan market, understanding the trademark registration process under Sri Lanka’s intellectual property law is vital to safeguarding your b

The Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill published on 24 February 2026 sets out proposed amendments to the Inland Revenue Act No. 24 of 2017 (the “IRA”). Salient features of the Bill are as follows: 1. Increase in the Capital Gains Tax (“CGT”) Rate * CGT rate applicable to Individuals and Partnerships is to be increased from 10% to 15% * CGT rate applicable to Trusts, Unit Trusts, Mutual Funds and NGOs is to be increased from 10% to 30%. * Effective from enactment of the Amendment Act. 2. Def

A criminal verdict is meant to bring closure. But what if closure itself is suspect? One of the enduring tensions in criminal law lies between finality and truth. Courts exist not merely to conclude disputes, but to do so justly. When those two objectives collide, the law is forced into uncomfortable territory. The Supreme Court’s judgment in SC Appeal No. 116 of 2022 delivered on 08th May 2025 by Justice Yasantha Kodagoda, confronts this tension directly, engaging with the doctrine of issue es

WHAT IS THE SECURED TRANSACTION ACT (Act) ? The Secured Transactions Act, No. 17 of 2024, certified on April 1, 2024, establishes a new institutional framework and regulatory structure for secured transactions involving movable property in Sri Lanka. This legislation repeals of the previous Secured Transactions Act, No. 49 of 2009. What are the Primary Objectives of the Act – The primary objectives of the Act are, inter alia, to regulate secured transactions in movable property through the

A. Categorization of Collective Investment Schemes (CIS) Collective Investment Schemes are commonly referred to as unit trusts in Sri Lanka, where multiple investors contribute funds which are managed by a fund manager. Each Collective Investment Scheme is typically divided into units and investors take a stake in Collective Investment Schemes by purchasing its units. The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) by its directive dated 1st October 2025 (the “Directive”), issued und

Sri Lanka Investor Visa and Digital Nomad Visa: Your Pathway to Investment, Remote Work and Residence in Sri Lanka Sri Lanka is emerging as one of South Asia’s most attractive destinations for investors, professionals and travelers seeking a ‘home away from home’ in a tropical setting allowing for a ‘work life balance’. Strategically located, Sri Lanka boasts of being a hub for major trade routes supported by a robust legal framework and progressive investment policies. In keeping with its pol

1. What Is the Protection of Occupants Bill, 2026? The Protection of Occupants Bill, 2026 (the Bill) was a legislative proposal introduced by the Ministry of Justice and National Integration, intended to regulate the manner in which persons in lawful occupation of premises may be removed and to prohibit certain conduct by Landlords or persons acting on their behalf. The Bill has been introduced in the context of proposals to repeal the Rent Act, No. 7 of 1972, and to replace long-standing rent

Many people put off making a Last Will, often thinking it’s too morbid or believing they have plenty of time to prepare one. However, life can be unpredictable, and passing away without a Last Will—legally known as dying intestate—can lead to complications. What Happens If You Die Without a Last Will in Sri Lanka? When someone dies intestate in Sri Lanka, their estate is distributed according to the laws of intestate succession (rather than according to their wishes). Without a Last Will, the

What is employment Law? Employment law is the law the governs the relationship between an employer and an employee. It is a broad area of law that balances employee rights against employer responsibilities and encompasses all matters related to the workplace. How to establish an employment contract? As per the employment law in Sri Lanka, a contract of employment can be established in writing, orally, or through conduct. Contracts of Service may have terms that are express or implied through