Labour and Employment Relations
Pragmatic advisory services to manage human capital.
Our Labour & Industrial Relations team is highly recognised for its comprehensive understanding of employment laws, regulations and practices in Sri Lanka, and a commitment to providing innovative legal services across various industries.
We’ve supported clients in a multitude of industries including airlines, media companies, tech companies, trading companies, industrial enterprises, financial institutions, multinationals, non-governmental organisations, and even diplomatic missions. This extensive experience allows us to offer sector-specific insights and tailored legal strategies to meet the unique needs of each industry. By integrating expertise from the various other practice areas of the firm and maintaining strong relationships with key governmental and regulatory authorities, such as the Department of Labour, we are able to facilitate a streamlined, comprehensive and cost-effective management of all types of contentious and non-contentious employment law matters.
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Collective agreements
Advising on collective bargaining, trade union negotiations, interactions with regulators, and disputes, including assisting employers in dealing with strikes and other union actions.
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Compliance advisory
Regulatory and compliance guidance including issues related to working conditions, employment benefits, restrictive covenants, and statutory obligations.
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Compliance audits
Conducting compliance audits and advising on regulatory compliance.
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Contractor arrangements
Advising on agreements and arrangements concerning manpower/independent contractor services.
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Disciplinary matters and investigations
Counsel and representation on matters of employee misconduct and disciplinary control, including assisting clients with internal inquiries and conducting investigations.
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Employment aspects of commercial transactions
Advising and representation on employment-related aspects of company closures, restructuring, redundancies, M&A, cross-border transactions, labour restructuring exercises, and labour transfers during business or asset transfers.
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Employment-related documentation
Drafting, developing, and reviewing employment-related documentation such as offer letters, contracts, handbooks, and employer’s policies.
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Representation in legal forums
Representing in courts, before the Commissioner of Labour, labour tribunals, and industrial arbitrations.
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Retrenchment
Advising on ‘Voluntary Retirement Schemes’ (VRS) and other labour retrenchment exercises.
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Work-related accidents
Advice and representation on matters related to claims for work-related injuries, accidents, and occupational diseases.
Testimonials
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“Responsive, on time and have the same sense of urgency as clients do.”
“Quick to respond, they offer tailored services and advice based on the situation at hand.”
“Very thorough and competent professionals who always had our company’s best interests in mind.”
Legal 500 (Asia Pacific 2024)
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"The individuals we have worked with have been very professional and have always shown utmost attention to detail in every aspect of work. They have also been very attentive and have ensured to give us the best possible advice in all instances."
Legal 500 (2025)
“Quick to respond, they offer tailored services and advice based on the situation at hand.”
“Very thorough and competent professionals who always had our company’s best interests in mind.”
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