Our story, as with that of the few organisations which have survived for almost two centuries, is inextricably linked to that of our country – Sri Lanka’s periods of trial and growth, its challenges and triumphs have provided the backdrop against which FJ&G’s own narrative has unfolded. Throughout its evolution from a family law practice to one of Sri Lanka’s preeminent law firms, FJ&G de Saram has always been at the forefront of the country’s developing legal order. The firm’s ability to navigate, adapt to and see opportunities for growth in the country’s cultural, economic and socio-political changes has meant that it has not only survived, but thrived. Through the course of its long history, FJ&G has formulated innovative solutions to the most complex of legal problems, advised on some of the country’s most significant transactions and helped to shape regulatory reform.
FJ&G’s unique heritage has given it not only unmatched experience but a keen focus on working towards a better future for its clients and its community. The spirit of the firm is, at its core, pioneering – always striving to break barriers, to innovate and to build.
Scroll down to take a journey through our eventful history.
F J de Saram gives notice of his intention to apply to be enrolled as a Proctor of the District Court. He waits until he is 21 before applying to be enrolled as a Proctor of the Supreme Court in 1843.
In his first deed, dated 28th January 1845 FJ de Saram attests that George Andresz appeared before him and declared his indebtedness to Cowgee Adelgee in the sum of 56 pounds and five shillings at 12% interest.
FJ de Saram holds the Dutch Kredit Brieven promissory notes taken over by the British, on behalf of his clients. FJ de Saram garners British clients including Major Thomson Skinner, C.M.G. Commissioner of Public Works and George Wall of George Wall & Company, George Stuarts & Company, James Finlays & Company Limited.
Individual tea and rubber plantation estate ownership changes to ownership by companies.
FJ de Saram advises on the formation of many of the 49 companies that were formed between 1876 and 1897 under the Joint Stock Companies Ordinance No 4 of 1861.
Following in his father’s footsteps and working at the family law practice, the 4th son of FJ De Saram, Fredrick John de Saram (Jnr), is elected as Commissioner of the Colombo Municipal Council.
F J de Saram (Jnr) becomes the senior partner of the practice. His brothers, Richard and George, and his sister are also working in the family practice. FJ de Saram (Jnr) is the lawyer for Grindlays, The Oriental Banking Corporation and The Chartered Mercantile Bank of India, London and China. The Mercantile Bank was the first bank established in Sri Lanka in 1854. He also advises many Agency Houses for tea, the tea brokers Sommerville Forbes and Walker, as well as principal buyers of tea Lipton and Brooke Bond. The firm also acts for other pioneering planters, road builders and eminent individuals such as Charles Hay Cameron who framed the Judicial Charter of 1833 and sat as a member of the Colebrook Commission which introduced the first Legislative Council of Sri Lanka of modern times.
FJ de Saram (Jnr) advises the brokers of the Colombo Share Broker Association, the predecessor to the Colombo Stock Exchange. Over hundred years later, in 1985, the amalgamation of the Colombo Share Brokers Association and the Stock Brokers Association takes place to form the Colombo Stock Exchange.
With George joining the partnership, the practice becomes known as FJ&G de Saram.
FJ&G de Saram is registered under the Business Names Ordinance No. 6 of 1918. Today, it is the oldest surviving partnership in Sri Lanka.
FJ&G advises on the drafting of the Bank of Ceylon Ordinance No. 53 of 1938.
The Mortgage Commission appointed in 1945 recommends major changes to the law. The firm represents the Commercial Banks Association of Ceylon which played a significant role before the Commission.
FJ&G’s private clientele includes D S Senenayake, S W R D Bandaranayake, D R Wijewardene and Sir Arthur Ranasinha who are in the vanguard of the movement for independence.
With a change of government comes nationalization, the enactment of land reform laws and the vesting of plantation estates in the State. FJ&G loses nearly 2/3rd of its clients.
FJ&G evolves into a specialist corporate and commercial law firm, advising on significant foreign investments and development projects, including the first flag of opportunity shipping company in Sri Lanka and the first offshore company in Sri Lanka. FJ&G also sets up its intellectual property practice and incorporates Corporate Services Limited, an associate company, to act as secretaries, registrars and trustees to support the commercial law practice of the firm.
FJ&G drafts and assists in the promulgation of a set of new regulations to enable the introduction of cellular technology to Sri Lanka within the framework of the existing telecommunications law which did not envisage such technologies. The firm advises on the establishment of the first cellular phone company in Sri Lanka.
FJ&G sets up offices at 216 De Saram Place, named after FJ de Saram (Jnr) in appreciation of his service to the Colombo Municipal Council.
FJ&G – a full service commercial law practice
Consonant with the fusion of the profession, FJ&G takes the bold step of offering complete litigation and commercial dispute resolution services by appearing for its clients in all legal fora.
The firm specialises in banking and finance, company law, investment, mergers and acquisition, real property, intellectual property, infrastructure, leisure and hospitality, transport and logistics, technology, media and communications. dispute resolution, etc.
The firm lobbies for a modern law enacted on arbitration. The firm plays the key role in drafting the new arbitration law and in setting up an Arbitration Centre affiliated to other international arbitration centres.
FJ&G advises on the unbundling of the electricity sector and the establishment of an independent electricity regulator, the first foreign player entering the petroleum sector and the establishment of the first public-private partnership of a port.
A partner of the Firm was a member of the Advisory Council which drafted the new Company Law of Sri Lanka
FJ&G publishes its history – ‘F J & G de Saram 1841 to 2001 160 Year Practice of a Law Firm in its Historical Setting’
Legal Source (Private) Limited, an affiliate of FJ&G de Saram, is set up to provide support services to its clients that include legal process services.
FJ&G leverages its technology infrastructure to move to a work from home/office hybrid structure to provide a seamless service to its clients during the global pandemic.
Bringing our unparalleled depth of expertise and unique experience, we will continue to work with our clients as they grow, helping them to overcome new challenges and soar to new heights. We will innovate and adapt as we have done for more than 180 years, always
“delivering value with excellence”.