Varners

Firm Overview

Varners is widely regarded as one of the leading full-service law firms in Sri Lanka, offering timely, efficient, and high-quality legal services. The Firm has earned a reputation for excellence across a range of practice areas, including mergers and acquisitions, banking and finance, construction and project development, corporate and commercial law, intellectual property, labour and employment, litigation and dispute resolution, as well as real estate and conveyancing.

With a progressive and results-oriented approach, Varners places its clients at the forefront, delivering bespoke solutions that consider both legal and commercial imperatives. The Firm’s ethos is rooted in the principle that a satisfied client is its best reference, and its commitment to client success has cemented its status as a trusted partner for both domestic and international clients.

Led by the experienced and highly regarded partners Mahinda Haradasa and Raj Selvaskandan, Varners’ corporate and commercial practice has become a cornerstone of the Firm, attracting major international investors from jurisdictions such as the USA, Japan, Canada, Australia, China, India, Singapore, and across Southeast Asia.

Practice Areas

·Banking & Finance

Banking & Finance practice seamlessly integrates with its corporate, commercial, and real estate teams, providing a multidisciplinary approach to transactions. The Firm has extensive experience advising on the financing of mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructurings, construction, project development, and real estate ventures. Its team is well-versed in structuring innovative and complex financial arrangements, including syndicated lending, secured transactions, and cross-border financings.

·Construction

The Firm’s Construction practice offers comprehensive legal services, guiding clients through all phases of construction projects. From procurement, negotiation, and contract formation to administration and completion, the team is equipped to manage legal challenges at every stage.

·Project Development

The Project Development team advises sponsors, developers, and project companies across the full project lifecycle. The Firm is a trusted legal advisor for some of the largest infrastructure and development projects in Sri Lanka, including the landmark Port City Colombo project. This role reflects the Firm’s expertise in handling large-scale and complex ventures involving regulatory, financing, and contractual matters.

·Corporate & Commercial

Corporate & Commercial practice is distinguished by its personalised approach and comprehensive expertise. The team has successfully concluded some of Sri Lanka’s largest and most intricate M&A transactions, underscoring its position as a market leader. Its capabilities include conducting in-depth due diligence across listed and unlisted entities, with expertise spanning regulatory frameworks, banking and finance, property, employment, intellectual property, and more. The Firm provides end-to-end guidance on transactions, ensuring clients achieve successful and strategic outcomes.

·Intellectual Property

Intellectual Property ("IP") practice is globally recognised for its precision, comprehensive service, and timely advice. The team assists clients with a full range of IP services, including searches, filings, prosecutions, oppositions, cancellations, portfolio management, and renewals. Additionally, the Firm advises on franchising, licensing, assignments, and marketing arrangements, while also representing clients in the enforcement of IP rights and infringement litigation.

·Labour & Employment

The Labour & Employment practice offers pragmatic and strategic advice tailored to the needs of employers and employees. Services include drafting organisational rules, codes of conduct, welfare fund documentation, employee share ownership trusts, and other incentive arrangements. The team regularly advises on compliance and employment-related matters while collaborating with the Litigation practice to resolve labour disputes effectively.

·Information Technology & Data Protection

Information Technology and Data Protection practice is at the forefront of Sri Lanka’s rapidly evolving digital economy. The Firm has acted as legal counsel for clients in technology, telecommunications, financial services, and healthcare industries, enabling them to navigate legal challenges in information technology, data governance, and technology-driven innovation. The Firm advises clients on e-commerce, digital payments, and compliance with Sri Lanka’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) and assists multinational corporations in aligning their data protection frameworks with international standards, including the GDPR and other global data privacy regulations.

Achievements

Varners has consistently delivered value to its clients, even in challenging economic and business climates. Its ability to navigate complex transactions, coupled with a deep understanding of local and international markets, has positioned the Firm as a leader in the legal profession.

Key Highlights:

• Port City Colombo Project: Acted as the trusted legal advisor to the Colombo Port City Economic Commission, providing strategic advice on governance, compliance, and operations in Sri Lanka’s flagship special economic zone.
• M&A Expertise: Concluded some of the largest merger and acquisition transactions in Sri Lanka, demonstrating its capacity to handle high-stakes, cross-border transactions with precision.
• Innovation in Banking & Finance: Structured sophisticated financial arrangements, showcasing the Firm’s ability to address complex regulatory and transactional challenges.
• Resilience During Adverse Conditions: Despite the economic disruptions caused by COVID-19 and subsequent crises, the Firm continued to assist clients with corporate restructurings, digital economy transactions, and dispute resolution, underscoring its adaptability and client-focused approach.
• Pioneering Digital Economy Legal Solutions: Advised clients on emerging internet-based technologies, including electronic contracts, data protection, digital signatures, and internet-based tort liability, cementing its reputation as a forward-thinking legal advisor.

Thought Leadership

Our lawyers are regularly invited to lecture at continuing legal education programmes organised by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka. This reflects the Firm’s commitment to advancing the legal profession and sharing its expertise with the wider community. Varners remains dedicated to providing world-class legal services, fostering strong client relationships, and continuing its legacy as one of Sri Lanka’s most trusted and respected law firms.