Rahal Gunaratne is a Partner at Varners and was called to the Bar as an Attorney-at-Law of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka in 1987. Rahal is a passionate strategist has amassed over 25 years of experience in civil, corporate, commercial and real estate fields. His expertise is in International and National Commercial & Corporate Law, Mergers & Acquisitions, Restructuring, Corporate Strategy, Conveyancing, Trusts, Civil & Commercial Litigation & Arbitration.

Current Practice

Rahal advises both international and local clients consisting of large corporates and private clients across a full spectrum of legal matters. He draws on commercial insight from his own experiences in the technology and investment sectors.

He regularly advises on foreign direct investments, regulatory compliance, project development, and joint ventures. This includes advising on the procurement process for large-scale infrastructure projects, negotiations during the pre-award stage, ensuring legal compliance during the tender process, as well as, attending to post-award contract documentation and other ancillary matters.

Rahal renowned for his knack of closing high profile M&A transactions. He leads the negotiation process, advices clients on the strategy and structuring, performance of due diligences, and preparation of all agreements and documentation. He also advises clients on acquisition of assets and liabilities, business restructuring, capital infusion, and loan capital.

He works with international and national insurers and re-insurers in relation to insurance products, negotiating to obtain the best possible premium, assisting in the claims processes, and drafting and preparing of the necessary agreements.

Rahal also has extensive experience in real estate and conveyancing matters. This involves transfers, leases, mortgages, verification of title, structuring real estate transactions, alongside preparation of all the documentation required to consummate the relevant transaction.

His expertise also extends to handling of international and national arbitrations for clients in the areas of construction claims, investments, and other corporate disputes.

Other Relevant Experience

Previously, Rahal had served for 13 years as Partner at a law firm in Sri Lanka.

He also serves as the chairman of a pioneering technology company, which he helped grow to its current position as leading player, giving him strong practical insight into the issues stakeholders face during all stages of growth.