Navigating the complexities of global jurisprudence.

On 30 September 2024, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) issued the “Banking Act Direction No. 5 of 2024” (“the New Direction”), setting out a comprehensive framework for corporate governance in licensed commercial and specialized banks. Effective from 1 January 2025, the new Direction has been implemented, thereby revoking all previously issued Directions and Circulars on the subject matter, effective from the same date. Key Updates: 1. Responsibilities of Board of Directors The New Direc

What is a Geographical Indication? A Geographical indication is an indication which identifies any goods as originating in the territory of a country, or a region or locality in that territory, where a given quality, reputation or other characteristic of the good is essentially attributable to its geographical origin. Examples of Global Geographical Indications; Café de Colombia (Colombia), Bordeaux (France), Kampot Pepper (Cambodia), Penja Pepper (Cameroon) and Scotch whisky (UK). Examples

An integrated digital payment platform, ‘GovPay’, the first of such in Sri Lanka was launched on February 7, 2025 being the first part of a trio of digital programs seeking to unify all state entities under a single digital payment system to enhance the efficiency of state services while improving user convenience. The initiative cleverly worked out within the existing legal framework pertaining to digital infrastructure, government financial operations, and electronic payments is based on the i

The ‘Colombo Port City’ (‘CPC’) conceived to function as a separate free trade zone in the form of a ‘business and financial district’, to allow Sri Lanka to emerge as a regional ‘commercial and financial Centre’. The enabling legal framework has as its principal legislation the ‘Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act No. 11 of 2021’ (the "Act") – the Act determines the CPC as a ‘Special Economic Zone’ under the regulation and supervision of the ‘Colombo Port City Commission’ (‘Commission’).

The highlights of revisions to tax proposals presented in the National Budget 2025 for the current year, which may be implemented after formal amendment to the relevant legislation, primarily the Inland Revenue Act No. 24 of 2017, as amended (“IRA”).

The highlights of revisions to tax proposals presented in the National Budget 2025 for the current year, which may be implemented after formal amendment to the relevant legislation, primarily the Inland Revenue Act No. 24 of 2017, as amended (“IRA”).

In Sri Lanka, the Companies Act No. 7 of 2007 outlines the duties and liabilities of directors, but the recognition of directors as employees remains nuanced. This article explores the legal framework in Sri Lanka, examines relevant case law, and compares approaches in other jurisdictions, including England, Australia, and India. Directors' Duties and Liabilities under the Companies Act The Companies Act No. 7 of 2007 in Sri Lanka delineates the responsibilities of directors to ensure sound c

In a recent case, I had the opportunity of representing the Employer Respondent, a prominent company in the Hospitality and Tourism sector, in an unfair termination claim. This case, in which I was retained by D.L & F De Saram, presented a compelling exploration of the distinctions between employment and consultancy relationships under Sri Lankan labor law. By drawing on significant legal precedents, this decision reinforces critical legal principles and provides essential insights for both empl

The Port City Colombo unveiled on 5th September 2024, its newest facility — the opportunity of ‘duty-free’ shopping with a dedicated new mall providing a never before shopping experience in the city of Colombo. The enabling legal provisions rooted in the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act No. 11 of 2021 (“the Act”), with specific Regulation, No. 2381/24 issued on 22nd April 2024 (“the Regulations”). The Regulations providing for, inter-alia eligibility criteria, permitted operations and

<p style="font-weight: 400;">The payment of a minimum monthly wage or daily wage to all workers in any private sector industry or service in Sri Lanka was made mandatory and given statutory effect by the passing of the National Minimum Wage of Workers Act No. 03 of 2016.</p><p style="font-weight: 400;"><br>With the recent passing of the National Minimum Wage of Workers (Amendment) Act No.48 of 2024, the national minimum monthly wage payable to a worker increased from Rs.12,500 to Rs.17,500/- an