Useful Articles & News Updates

Stay informed with the latest legal, corporate, and advisory insights on our News & Blog page. We cover key developments, expert analysis, and practical guidance to help businesses and individuals navigate evolving regulations, industry trends, and strategic opportunities. Whether it’s legal updates, corporate best practices, or immigration changes, our content keeps you ahead with reliable and relevant information.

Civil jurisdiction refers to the legal authority a court holds to hear and determine civil cases — such as property disputes, contract breaches, and family law matters. It defines the limits of a court’s power in terms of subject matter, geographical area, and monetary value.
Defamation occurs when false or damaging statements are made about an individual or organization, harming their reputation. In Sri Lanka, defamation can lead to both *civil and criminal liability*. Civil defamation allows the victim to claim monetary compensation for damages caused, while criminal defamation involves penalties such as fines or imprisonment. With the rise of social media and online platforms, defamation cases are becoming increasingly common, making it essential to understand the boundaries of lawful speech.
Labour law in Sri Lanka sets the rules for employment relationships, protecting both employees and employers. It covers contracts, working hours, wages, leave, termination, and workplace safety. Employers must understand these laws to run their business legally and efficiently. Ignorance of labour law can lead to fines, legal disputes, or reputational damage. For example, some small businesses face penalties for failing to provide proper contracts or for exceeding permitted working hours. Being informed helps employers create fair workplaces while minimizing risk.
When setting up a business in Sri Lanka, one of the most important decisions you will make is choosing the right type of company. The two most common forms for incorporated businesses are *Private Limited Companies* and *Public Limited Companies*. Each has its own advantages, legal requirements, and best use cases. Understanding the differences can save you time, money, and legal headaches in the future.
Sri Lanka has long been seen as a gateway to South Asia, with its strategic location, growing infrastructure, and a government eager to attract foreign investment. But before investing, it is essential to understand the legal framework that governs how foreign individuals and companies can operate here. At Wijesinghe Chambers, we help investors navigate these rules with clarity and confidence.
The *Employees Provident Fund (EPF)* and *Employees Trust Fund (ETF)* are two key components of the social security and benefits system in Sri Lanka. They provide financial security for employees during retirement, disability, or other life events. EPF is a compulsory retirement savings scheme where both employers and employees contribute a fixed percentage of the employee’s salary, while ETF is an employer-funded fund that supports employee welfare and social security. Understanding these systems is essential for employers to remain compliant and for employees to know their entitlements.
Starting a business in Sri Lanka is exciting, but it can also feel complicated if you are new to the process. The legal steps are clear, but they must be followed carefully to avoid problems later on. Below, we walk you through the main stages, with simple explanations to help you understand how the system works.
Verifying ownership is the first and most crucial step in buying property in Sri Lanka. Buyers must check the title deed at the local Land Registry to ensure the seller has the legal right to sell. It is equally important to confirm that the property is free from mortgages, liens, or disputes, including potential inheritance claims. Failure to verify ownership can lead to lengthy legal battles and financial losses. For example, there have been cases where buyers purchased property without checking for co-owners, only to face court disputes months later. Working with a legal professional ensures that the title is clean and the transaction is secure.
Terminating an employee in Sri Lanka is a legal process governed by the *Shop and Office Employees Act, **Industrial Disputes Act*, and other labour regulations. Employers cannot dismiss employees arbitrarily and must follow legal procedures to avoid claims of wrongful termination. Understanding the law is essential to protect the business and ensure fairness to the employee. Termination can occur due to redundancy, misconduct, poor performance, or mutual agreement, but each reason has specific legal requirements.