Public Policy, Government & International Affairs
Policy advisory, government-facing legal work, and intergovernmental or diplomatic matters requiring discretion and institutional understanding.
II · Overview
How we approach affairs.
This practice addresses legislative and policy advisory work, government-facing legal matters, and issues with an intergovernmental or international public-affairs dimension.
It includes policy support, government relations, and legal issues involving diplomatic or intergovernmental engagement where institutional context matters as much as technical law.
Public law work in Sri Lanka runs through two principal channels. Where executive or administrative action infringes a right protected under Articles 10 to 14 of the Constitution, an application lies to the Supreme Court under Article 126, subject to a one-month limit that is applied strictly. Where the complaint is that a public authority has acted beyond or without power, the route is writ — certiorari, mandamus or prohibition — in the Court of Appeal under Article 140.
Both remedies go to the legality of a decision, not its wisdom, and that shapes how a case is built: the record, the reasons given, the procedure followed, the authority relied on. A decision that is unpopular but lawful cannot be reviewed. One that is sensible but taken without power can.
Alongside contentious work, the practice advises on legislative and regulatory proposals, engagement with government and regulators, and matters carrying an intergovernmental or diplomatic dimension. The founder's years as State Counsel at the Attorney-General's Department inform how these are approached; the institutional perspective is one the chambers has occupied from the other side.
The Chambers approaches this work with discretion, careful judgement, and sensitivity to the wider public or cross-border implications involved.
III · Index of Services
What we handle.
Fundamental rights applications under Article 126
Writ applications under Article 140
Certiorari, mandamus and prohibition
Judicial review of administrative action
Constitutional and public law advice
Legislative and regulatory drafting input
Engagement with government and regulators
Public procurement challenges
Statutory body and public authority advisory work
Intergovernmental and diplomatic legal affairs
Treaty and international obligation questions
Public inquiry and commission representation
IV · Representations
We have acted for those who require discretion.
Institutions
Businesses engaging public authorities
Policy-facing stakeholders
Parties with international public-affairs concerns
V · Connected Writing
Insights, in context.
VI · Common Questions
Questions we are often asked.
- What is the time limit for a fundamental rights application?
- Article 126 of the Constitution requires an application to the Supreme Court within one month of the alleged infringement. The limit is applied strictly, and the harder question is usually when the infringement crystallised, not the filing itself.
- When is writ the right remedy rather than an appeal?
- Writ addresses the legality of a decision — whether the authority had power, followed the required procedure, and acted on relevant considerations. An appeal addresses whether the decision was right. Where a statutory appeal exists it will usually have to be exhausted first, so the choice is rarely free.
- What does the firm's public policy practice cover?
- It covers legislative and policy advice, engagement with government and regulators, and matters with an intergovernmental or diplomatic dimension, where institutional context matters as much as the black-letter law.
- Can you advise on government relations and lobbying?
- Yes. The chambers advises institutions and businesses on lawful engagement with public authorities, including submissions on policy and proposed legislation.
- Do you handle matters with a cross-border public dimension?
- Yes. The practice extends to legal issues involving diplomatic or intergovernmental engagement, handled with discretion and attention to the wider implications.
AW
VII · Engage Counsel
Discuss your matter.
Conversations with the Chambers are confidential. We respond within one working day.
