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Fostering Fairness, Upholding Trust: Our Legacy in Arbitration
The Sri Lanka National Arbitration Centre (SLNAC) has been a cornerstone of commercial arbitration since its establishment in 1985. Incorporated under the Companies Act as a private, not-for-profit Guarantee Company, SLNAC was founded with a mission to revolutionize dispute resolution in Sri Lanka. Over the decades, it has evolved into the country’s premier arbitral institution, offering efficient, impartial, and accessible arbitration service
A Heritage of Legal Excellence
Sri Lanka’s commitment to the rule of law spans centuries, with a history of alternative dispute-resolution mechanisms dating back over a thousand years. Before the advent of statutory commercial laws, the island embraced traditional systems of mediation and arbitration. This heritage, enriched by the Arbitration Ordinance of 1866 and later the Arbitration Act of 1995 based on the UNCITRAL Model Law, forms the bedrock of SLNAC’s operations.
As Sri Lanka’s legal framework grew to encompass a blend of Roman-Dutch law, English commercial law principles, and regional practices, SLNAC emerged as a beacon of legal innovation. Today, we stand at the intersection of tradition and modernity, poised to lead the nation into a new era of international and regional arbitration.
Trusted Expertise Across Borders
SLNAC is dedicated to delivering world-class dispute resolution services that meet the needs of both local and international communities. Our seasoned panel of arbitrators specializes in diverse fields such as construction, international trad shipping, logistics, and sports. These experts bring decades of experience and an unwavering commitment to impartiality, ensuring a fair and transparent process for all parties.
Certified awards rendered by the Centre are recognized and enforceable under the Arbitration Act No. 11 of 1995 and in terms of the New York Convention , underscoring our credibility and alignment with global standards.
Innovation and Growth
As Sri Lanka experiences rapid economic growth driven by infrastructure development, foreign direct investment, and expanding capital markets, SLNAC stands as a trusted partner for businesses navigating complex disputes. Committed to delivering swift and effective resolutions, we continuously refine our process to meet the dynamic needs of local and international stakeholders.
Recent advancements at SLNAC include the introduction of expedited arbitration procedures and strategic collaborations with renowned institutions such as the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) and the Bangladesh International Arbitration Centre (BIAC). These efforts further enhance Sri Lanka’s standing as a neutral, globally recognized hub for arbitration.
A Vision for the Future
Our aim is to project Sri Lanka as a hub for arbitration, leveraging its strategic location, rich legal heritage, and modern infrastructure. The island’s accessibility, peaceful environment, and world-class hospitality make it an ideal venue for both regional and international arbitration.
With a conscious effort to modernize dispute resolution methods, we continue to champion the principles of fairness, confidentiality, and efficiency, fostering trust across borders and industries.
Join Us on the Path to Resolution
Whether resolving disputes domestically or internationally, SLNAC is committed to delivering impartial and reliable arbitration services. Explore our range of services or meet our panel of experts to discover how we can assist you in achieving equitable resolutions.
Our Services
SLNAC offers a comprehensive range of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services including facilitating arbitration hearings, providing logistical and secretarial support, and ensuring seamless administration of arbitration processes. Renowned for our expertise, we are instrumental in promoting a culture of amicable dispute resolution across both local and international contexts.
Our tailored administrative services include efficient ADR management certification of arbitration awards, and documentation support upon party request. Additionally, SLNAC actively advocates for ADR in Sri Lanka, raising awareness of its significant benefits in effectively resolving commercial disputes.
Our Centre administers arbitrations under UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules, Expedited Arbitration Rules of SLNAC, and Arbitration Rules under the Arbitration Act. We also facilitate ad hoc arbitrations based on party-agreed rules. With the parties' consent, SLNAC appoints expert arbitrators from its distinguished panel and technical specialists for adjudications, ensuring impartiality and efficiency.
What We Offer
With a deep understanding of commercial, trade, and investment conflicts, SLNAC combines professionalism, confidentiality, and global standards to deliver exceptional dispute resolution services. Our expertise extends beyond traditional arbitration to include innovative solutions like expedited arbitration rules and adjudication procedures.
As Sri Lanka’s longest standing Arbitration Centre, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards in administration of alternative dispute resolution services. SLNAC offers facilities designed to ensure ease of proceedings and a skilled team of professionals to ensure seamless arbitration processes for all parties involved. Whether resolving disputes locally or across borders, our goal is to provide swift, reliable, and effective outcomes
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