Chief Guest at the Inauguration of NKLA

Mr. Dharmasena Yakandawela

Barrister & Solicitor
YLD Law Corporation, Canada

The inauguration of Nelson Kumaranayake Law Associates (NKLA) was honored by Mr. Dharmasena Yakandawela, Founder and Chairman of YLD Law Corporation, Canada. A graduate of the Faculty of Law, University of Colombo, he served as a District Judge and Magistrate and practiced as a senior lawyer in Sri Lanka for over thirteen years, contributing significantly to the administration of justice.

After migrating to Canada in 2006, Mr. Yakandawela pursued further professional studies at the University of British Columbia and qualified as a Canadian Immigration Consultant. He currently practices in immigration law and general legal services in Canada.

• Life Member of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka
• Member of the Canadian Bar Association
• Member of the Law Society of British Columbia
• President of the Electoral District of Abbotsford–Langley South, New Democratic Party of Canada

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Professional Contact

YLD Law Corporation
#300-13805, 104th Avenue,
Surrey, BC V3T 1W7, Canada

Tel: +1 778 388 4620

Email: dharmasena@yldlaw.ca

Nelson Kumaranayake Law Associates (NKLA)

Nelson Kumaranayake Law Associates (NKLA) is a professionally established legal practice based in Negombo, Sri Lanka, committed to advancing justice, legal awareness, and the rule of law. In addition to professional legal work, NKLA places strong emphasis on public legal education and academic engagement, contributing to the development of legal knowledge through structured learning, research, and informed discussion of Sri Lankan and comparative law.

The firm regularly prepares and publishes legal articles, research papers, case commentaries, and educational journals through this platform, with the objective of enhancing public understanding, supporting students and professionals, and promoting responsible legal awareness. Guided by professional ethics, academic excellence, and practical experience, NKLA remains accessible and responsive, providing confidential and timely legal support while fostering an informed and legally conscious society.

Our Professional Commitments

• Promotion of public legal education and legal awareness
• Publication of legal articles, journals, and research materials
• Trusted by local and international stakeholders

introduction

• Nelson Kumaranayake Law Associates (NKLA) is a law practice based in Negombo, Sri Lanka, recognized for its commitment to the protection of individual liberty and the safeguarding of citizens’ rights.
• The firm serves both local and international clients by providing sound legal guidance founded on professional ethics, academic grounding, and practical experience. NKLA is supported by a qualified legal team and maintains 24/7 professional availability for legal assistance and urgent matters.

Founder & Partner

Nelson Kumaranayake, Attorney-at-Law

Nelson Kumaranayake commenced his legal education in 1996 and obtained his LL.B. from the Faculty of Law, University of Colombo in the year 2000, establishing the foundation of his professional engagement with the law. He was admitted to practice as an Attorney-at-Law in 2002 and has since contributed to the legal profession through practice, mentorship, and institutional development.

He successfully completed his Master of Laws (LL.M.) in 2021 at the University of Colombo, reflecting his continued commitment to advanced legal scholarship.

• Certified IELTS Teacher (2020), Level 5 TEFL (2019), and Level 7 TESOL (2021), demonstrating formal qualifications in education and language instruction.
• Actively involved in mentoring and training junior lawyers since 2010, with an emphasis on ethical responsibility, academic discipline, and professional competence.
• Appointed as an Unofficial Magistrate and Justice of the Peace in 2013, marking a significant contribution to legal and civic service.
• Founded Nelson Kumaranayake Law Associates (NKLA) in 2022 with the objective of delivering structured, ethical, and effective legal services through a collaborative and multidisciplinary legal team.

Our Attorneys

NKLA comprises a team of highly qualified Attorneys-at-Law in Sri Lanka, bringing together diverse academic backgrounds and extensive experience across multiple fields of law. This collective expertise enables the firm to approach legal matters with depth, balance, and clarity, while confidently and responsibly addressing both local and international legal matters.

Our Mentor

Mr. Lalin De Silva, MMA

PG Immigration Law (Victoria University), PG Law & Economics (University of Colombo)
Attorney-at-Law | Counsel – International Criminal Tribunal
Registered Migration Consultant (Australia)

Mr. Lalin De Silva is a senior legal professional with extensive experience in international law, migration law, and public service. He has served as Counsel to an International Criminal Tribunal and previously held office as a State Counsel at the Attorney General’s Department of Sri Lanka. He is a Life Member of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka and the Medico-Legal Society of Sri Lanka, and is recognized for his contributions to both legal practice and legal education.

Currently based in Australia, Mr. De Silva is a Registered Migration Consultant and a Certified Member of the Migration Alliance of Australia. He serves as a Consultant to leading legal practices in Victoria, including Chardon Legal and Dotan Cohen Law Offices. He also holds qualifications in management and serves as a Justice of the Peace (Sri Lanka). Mr. De Silva played a formative role as a mentor to Nelson Kumaranayake during his early professional years in Sri Lanka, providing guidance and academic support that contributed significantly to the development of his legal career. He continues to contribute to the profession through advisory work and international legal engagement.

Professional Contact

Berwick, Victoria 3806, Australia

Tel: +61 (0)400 617 033

Email: desilva.migration@gmail.com