Real Estate
Real estate transactions and developments in Sri Lanka depend on careful title investigation, properly executed and registered deeds, and an understanding of the planning, approval and foreign-ownership rules that apply to a particular property. Identifying title, regulatory and contractual risks early, and managing them throughout the life of the investment, is central to a successful outcome.
We act for developers, investors, landowners, lenders, landlords, tenants and operators on individual properties as well as on larger portfolios and developments.
How we help
We advise clients on real estate matters including:
- Property acquisitions, disposals and title due diligence
- Conveyancing, deeds and registration of title
- Development, investment and joint-venture structures
- Foreign-investment considerations for property projects
- Financing and security over property assets
- Condominium development, management and unit sales
- Commercial, retail, industrial and residential leases
- Hotel, mixed-use and managed-property arrangements
- Real estate investment trusts and property investment structures
- Land, lease and possession disputes
Industry experience
We advise on commercial, residential, hospitality, retail, industrial, logistics and mixed-use developments, as well as on individual property transactions. Our work may begin with site identification and acquisition and continue through investment structuring, financing, development, leasing, operation, sale or dispute resolution, and we support clients on the ongoing management of real estate portfolios. Where transactions involve international investors, financiers or operators, we coordinate with overseas counsel and other professional advisers to provide clear and consistent Sri Lankan legal support.
Construction
Construction projects bring together employers, contractors, subcontractors, consultants, suppliers and lenders under contracts that must allocate design, time, cost and quality risk clearly. In Sri Lanka, building and civil-engineering works are commonly procured on standard international forms, such as the FIDIC conditions, or on bespoke contracts, and disagreements over delay, variations, defects and payment are resolved through dispute boards, arbitration or the courts.
We act for employers, developers, contractors, subcontractors, consultants and lenders from procurement and contract negotiation through to completion and the resolution of claims.
How we help
We advise clients on construction matters including:
- Procurement strategy, tender documentation and bid processes
- Engineering, procurement and construction contracts
- Design-and-build, consultancy and project-management appointments
- Subcontracts, supply agreements and collateral warranties
- Performance bonds, advance-payment guarantees and retention
- Contract administration, variations and change management
- Delay, disruption and extension-of-time claims
- Defects, completion and handover
- Termination, insolvency and step-in situations
- Dispute boards, arbitration and construction litigation
Industry experience
We advise developers, contractors and subcontractors, engineers and other consultants, suppliers, lenders and public-sector employers on commercial buildings, residential and mixed-use developments, industrial facilities and civil-engineering works. Our work covers contract drafting and negotiation, advice during the life of a project and the preparation and defence of claims. Where a matter calls for it, we work alongside quantity surveyors, delay analysts and other technical experts. See also our Construction practice.
