Energy & Utilities
Sri Lanka’s energy sector is changing, with growing investment in solar, wind and other renewable generation alongside conventional power, and continuing reform of the way electricity is generated, transmitted and sold. Power, fuel, water and other utility businesses operate under licensing and tariff regimes, and depend on long-term agreements with state counterparties, offtakers and suppliers.
We act for developers, sponsors, investors, lenders, utilities and contractors on generation, transmission, distribution, fuel-supply and utility projects.
How we help
We advise clients in the energy and utilities sector on matters including:
- Generation licences, permits and regulatory approvals
- Power-purchase, supply and offtake agreements
- Development of solar, wind, hydro and other renewable-energy projects
- Tariff, grid-connection and other regulatory questions
- Foreign investment and project-company structuring
- Project finance, security packages and lender due diligence
- Engineering, procurement, construction and operation and maintenance contracts
- Land, access and environmental considerations for project sites
- Fuel import, storage and distribution arrangements
- Disputes with offtakers, contractors and authorities
Industry experience
We advise independent power producers, renewable-energy developers, utilities, fuel and gas businesses, equipment suppliers, investors and lenders. Our work spans early-stage feasibility and investment structuring, licensing, financing and construction, as well as operational questions, refinancing, acquisitions of operating assets and disputes. Where projects bring together foreign sponsors, lenders and technical advisers, we work with international counsel and engineers to provide coordinated Sri Lankan legal advice. See also our Energy & Infrastructure practice.
Infrastructure & Projects
Infrastructure projects require long-term planning, substantial investment and coordination among sponsors, lenders, contractors, public authorities and service providers. Roads, ports, airports, water and waste facilities, telecommunications networks and urban developments must each balance commercial objectives with land, procurement, construction, environmental and regulatory requirements.
We act for sponsors, investors, lenders, contractors and public-sector bodies on projects procured publicly, through public-private partnerships and privately.
How we help
We advise clients on infrastructure projects on matters including:
- Project structuring and risk allocation
- Concessions, licences and regulatory approvals
- Public-private partnerships and government-facing agreements
- Public procurement, tendering and bid processes
- Project finance, security packages and lender due diligence
- Engineering, procurement, construction and consultancy contracts
- Operation and maintenance agreements
- Land acquisition, leasing, access and project-site issues
- Joint ventures, acquisitions and project-company arrangements
- Delay, payment, variation and other project disputes
Industry experience
We advise project sponsors, developers, investors, lenders, contractors, consultants, operators, public-sector bodies and development partners involved in infrastructure projects. Our work spans early-stage feasibility and investment structuring, due diligence, financing, procurement and construction, as well as operational issues, refinancing, expansion and disputes. Where a project involves multiple jurisdictions or technical disciplines, we work alongside international counsel, engineers, financial advisers and other specialists to provide coordinated Sri Lankan legal advice and keep the different elements of the project aligned.
Mining & Natural Resources
Mining and natural-resources activities depend on secure rights to explore, extract, process and export, and on careful management of land, environmental and community considerations. In Sri Lanka these activities range from graphite, mineral sands and other industrial minerals to gems, quarrying and sand, each with its own licensing requirements and commercial arrangements that often extend over many years.
We act for domestic and international investors, operators, processors, exporters and landowners on natural-resource matters connected with Sri Lanka.
How we help
We advise clients in the mining and natural-resources sector on matters including:
- Exploration and mining licences, permits and regulatory approvals
- Foreign investment, market entry and corporate structuring
- Joint ventures, acquisitions and investment agreements
- Land acquisition, leasing, access and surface rights
- Environmental, social and community considerations
- Offtake, processing, supply and export arrangements
- Contracting, mining-services and equipment agreements
- Royalties, tax and fiscal considerations
- Project financing and security arrangements
- Disputes concerning licences, land and commercial contracts
Industry experience
We advise investors, mining and quarrying operators, processors, exporters, landowners, contractors and financiers involved in natural-resources activities. Our work may begin with regulatory and land due diligence and continue through licensing, investment structuring, development, operation and export and, where necessary, the resolution of disputes. Where projects involve foreign investors or international buyers, we coordinate with overseas counsel, geologists, environmental consultants and other advisers to provide consistent Sri Lankan legal support, including on ESG expectations.
