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Professional Directory Listings

Asia Pacific Legal 500 (2002/2003) edition reports as follows :-

"The leading firms overall in Sri Lanka, remain the oldest and most established such as F. J. & G De Saram, Julius & Creasy and Murugesu & Neelakandan."

"Chamber's Global The World Leading Lawyers" (2002-2003) at page 697 has this to say of this Firm :-

Murugesu & Neelakandan – Noted for expertise in contracts, project finance, admiralty and banking and finance matters, the firm is recommended to researchers as a "smaller but expert" operation. Advising both large banking clients and multi-nationals, the team is particularly recognized for its experience in the power industry. Kandiah Neelakandan is widely regarded as one of the country's commercial leaders. Clients: International banks and manufacturing companies.

IFLR 1000 (2003 Edition) at page 811 had this to say under the Banking Sector :-

"Rounding out the top tier is Murugesu & Neelakandan which acts for local and international financial institutions including American Express"

The edition of the Asia Pacific Legal 500 (2004/2005) edition reported on this firm as follows :-

"Murugesu & Neelakandan was established in September 1962 by Mr. Velupillai Murugesu, who completed 50 years at the Sri Lankan Bar on 30 November 1999. Today, the firm has grown to four partners, a consultant and 10 professional assistants. The firm completed 41 years of business on 6 September 2003, and the firm has moved from Hemas Building to its own Building at No. 2 Deal Place.

With over 30 years' experience, Kandiah Neelakandan of Murugesu & Neelakandan is one of the most respected lawyers in the country. The firm provides advice to an array of banks, including Citibank, as well as to numerous consortia. The firm advised a syndicate of banks on the funding of a major power project in southern Sri Lanka. One client describes the service as 'highly satisfactory in respect of client needs'.

Murugesu & Neelakandan boasts a total of 15 fee-earners, including senior partner Velupillai Murugesu, who has over 55 years of experience. In 2004, the firm advised Japan Asia Investment Co. Limited on the sale of its interests in JAIC Lanka Limited for US$ 16.2 m. The highly regarded Kandiah Neelakandan is described by one client as 'meticulous' and by another as 'possessing a high degree of ethics and integrity.'

Murugesu & Neelakandan has a wealth of experience dealing with contentious construction matters. It recently acted for a Philippines-based hotel developer. The case raised an issue regarding the prescription of claims in arbitration proceedings. The matter was heard before the Supreme Court. The firm also advised a German company in an ICC arbitration.

Murugesu & Neelakandan has been instructed on Sri Lanka's largest power project since its inception. The AES Kelanitissa Project was established by AES Corp, USA. The firm advises on all project documents and financing agreements, plus any other legal issues that arise.

Since Murugesu & Neelakandan was formed in 1962 it has garnered a reputation as one of the foremost IP practices in Sri Lanka. The firm was recently instructed on a major trade mark infringement case. Nithianandan Murugesu receives accolades from clients, particularly for his 'ethics and professionalism'. He is regarded as a highly astute intellectual property litigator.

Murugesu & Neelakandan is recommended by rival firms for its admiralty prowess.

Murugesu & Neelakandan has a strong reputation for setting up trusts and assisted several foreign clients during the year.

Murugesu & Neelakandan advises one of the country's biggest property developers, Colombo Land & Development Company Limited. It also recently advised two UK investors on a large-scale property development. The firm's apartment ownership expertise is a major asset."

IFLR 1000 (the Guide to the World Leading Financial Law Firms ) – 2009 Edition at page 849 had this to say:-

"Murugesu & Neelakandan has practised for around 40 years and in that time has built up a practice with a good array of skills in both financial and corporate work. The firm's two standout partners are the eponymous Nithi Murugesu and Kandiah Neelakandan. The firm boasts a strong client roster - it has advised numerous key domestic and international institutions in the past including Citigroup, Bank of Ceylon and the International Finance Corporation.

Murugesu & Neelakandan attracted a choice role on a high-profile deal this past year, providing domestic counsel to American Express Bank in its acquisition by Standard Chartered Bank. The acquisition has been taking place on a global scale and involves corporate restructuring.

Chambers Asia 2010 (A Clients' Guide) had these to say at pages 557, 558, 559, 561 and 562 as follows:-

"This four partner firm is highlighted for its strength in banking, where it has extensive experience of working with multinational players. Clients say that they especially appreciate the personal approach that the firm adopts. Kandiah Neelakandan is particularly noted for his work on behalf of foreign banks. Sources describe him as "very strong - one of the leaders in this market...... "

"This firm continues to do well in banking, corporate and IP matters, its key areas of expertise. Sources admire the team for its "understanding of the way that transactions are run in Sri Lanka." The firm notably advises leading tea and rubber plantation company Horana Plantations on a range of corporate matters. It also acts as company secretary for domestic conglomerates and publicly listed companies. Kandiah Neelakandan is the key figure here for corporate matters. He offers a "refine and carefully considered approach" to a range of local and international clients......

This firm climbs Chambers' tables this year following recognition of its commercial disputes capabilities. While IP disputes still feature strongly here. the team also handles a wide variety of commercial matters. including mandates in the restructuring and employment arenas. Nithianandan Murugesu "instinctively understands the client's needs, and remains totally forcused", according to sources. He balances his contentious practice with a transactional work load and offers experience of ICC arbitrations......

"This team is renowned for its knowledge of this area, expressed through its much respected Compendium of Law. It offers expertise in IP litigation and in copyrights, designs, patents and trade marks. Partner Nithianandan Murugesu is the key name ......

"This esteemed firm has a long track record of working with Sri Lankan telephone Operators. It has particular expertise on the corporate side of the sector, including project financing and the incorporation and development of telecoms ventures. Kandiah Neelakandan is the first port of call for the practice."

The latest edition of the ASIALAW PROFILES 15th Edition for 2011 just released states at page 497:-

"Marred by the passing of precedent partner Velupillai Murugesu in March 2010, Murugesu & Neelakandan has otherwise been at the forefront of banking and finance activity in the country. Peers maintain that it is yet to be seen whether the firm's practice and service will be affected by the loss of Murugesu, but most vouch for the depth of quality in the practice, with key partner Kandiah Neelakandan lifted up as an "integral" part of the corporate firm.

With over half a century of experience, the firm provides responsive service to a number of esteemed clients, such as banking entities HSBC, Citibank and Standard Chartered Bank. A highlight banking transaction was its role of local counsel to Korean institution Shinhan Bank with regards to a project loan to a local Sri Lankan interest."