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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.

Partition Law in Sri Lanka: How Property is Divided Among Heirs

Partition law in Sri Lanka governs how property is divided among heirs when multiple individuals have a legal claim. This law ensures fairness and protects the rights of each co-owner or family member. Partition may apply to land, houses, or other inherited assets. Understanding the legal framework is essential to avoid disputes, especially in cases involving multiple generations or complex family structures.

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Mediation vs Litigation: Which Is Right for Your Case?

Disputes are part of life, whether they involve businesses, families, or individuals. In Sri Lanka, the law provides multiple ways to resolve conflicts, the most common being *mediation and litigation*. Mediation is a process where a neutral third party helps disputing parties reach a voluntary agreement, while litigation involves taking the matter to court for a binding judgment. Choosing the right path depends on the nature of the dispute, the parties involved, and the desired outcome.

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The Importance of a Lease Agreement

A lease agreement is the foundation of a rental relationship between landlords and tenants. In Sri Lanka, having a properly drafted lease is crucial to avoid disputes over rent, property use, and responsibilities. Whether you are renting a residential apartment, commercial office, or retail space, the lease outlines the rights and obligations of both parties and ensures that each side understands their legal position. Without a written lease, misunderstandings and conflicts can escalate into legal disputes that are difficult and costly to resolve.

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Maternity Leave, Sick Leave and Annual Leave

Leave entitlements are an essential part of employment law in Sri Lanka, ensuring employees can balance work and personal needs while maintaining health and family responsibilities. The law provides for *maternity leave, sick leave, and annual leave*, with specific rules on duration, eligibility, and compensation. Employers must understand these provisions to avoid legal violations and foster a fair workplace environment.

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Adoption Laws in Sri Lanka

Adoption in Sri Lanka is governed by the *Orphan’s and Foundlings Ordinance* and related child protection laws. Adoption allows individuals or couples to legally assume parental responsibilities for a child whose biological parents are unable or unwilling to care for them. The law prioritizes the *best interests of the child*, ensuring that they receive a stable, nurturing environment. Families considering adoption must understand the legal framework, eligibility requirements, and procedural steps to ensure a smooth and lawful process.

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Marriage, Divorce and Maintenance

Marriage in Sri Lanka is governed by a combination of *civil laws and personal laws, depending on the religion, ethnicity, and legal background of the individuals involved. The **Civil Marriage Ordinance* provides the legal framework for civil marriages open to all citizens, while specific communities follow personal laws such as *Kandyan, Muslim, and Roman Catholic laws*, which have unique requirements and procedures. Understanding which law applies is critical to ensure that a marriage is legally recognized. For instance, a Muslim couple must follow the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act to have their marriage legally valid, whereas a Kandyan marriage has different procedural requirements. Failure to comply with the relevant law can result in legal complications affecting property rights, inheritance, or divorce proceedings in the future.

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Business Law FAQs in Sri Lanka

Starting or running a business in Sri Lanka can raise many questions. At Wijesinghe Chambers, we often hear the same concerns from entrepreneurs and investors. To make things simpler, we have put together the most common questions and clear answers to help you navigate the legal side of business with confidence.

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Can Foreigners Buy Land in Sri Lanka?

Foreigners can invest in property in Sri Lanka, but there are strict legal requirements to ensure compliance with the law. Unlike local citizens, foreign nationals are not automatically allowed to purchase freehold land. The primary legislation governing foreign ownership is the *Registration of Documents Ordinance* and related laws regulating land transactions. Foreign investors can typically purchase apartments, condominiums, or leasehold land, but direct freehold ownership of land is restricted in most cases. Understanding these rules before attempting to buy is essential to avoid legal disputes or invalid transactions.

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Wills and Inheritance

In Sri Lanka, property transfer after death is governed by a combination of *civil law, customary law, and personal laws* depending on religion and ethnicity. Wills allow individuals to specify how their assets should be distributed, while inheritance laws govern property distribution in the absence of a valid will. Understanding these legal frameworks is crucial to ensure that property is transferred according to the deceased’s wishes and to prevent disputes among heirs.

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