Sri Lankan ‘legal trailblazer’ in Japan making efforts to attract Japanese investors to Sri Lanka

Kanchani Damintha Pathirana has etched her name in history as the first and only Sri Lankan lawyer to be officially registered with the Japanese Federation of Bar Association. Her remarkable achievement is a testament to her perseverance, dedication, and trailblazing spirit, which serves as an inspiration to many Sri Lankans aspiring to make their mark on the global stage.

Born in Kandy, Mrs. Pathirana’s educational journey began at Giragama Primary School, Pilimathalawa, where she laid the foundation for her academic success. After passing the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination, she went on to study at Viharamaha Devi Girls’ College and later at Kandy Girls’ High School. Her outstanding performance in her Advanced Level exams in 2002, where she achieved three A’s, ranking 3rd in the Kandy District and 27th all island, securing her admission to the prestigious Colombo Law Faculty.

After completing her studies at Colombo Law College, she was called to the Bar and took her oaths before the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka in 2008.

Mrs. Pathirana began her legal career practicing at the Hulftsdorp premises under the mentorship of Senior Counsels Daya Guruge and Samantha Vithana. In 2010 she joined the Sri Lanka Navy, where she served as a Lieutenant – Legal Officer, adding a unique dimension to her legal career.

In 2014, she moved to Japan, where she pursued further studies at Yokohama National University and Hitotsubashi University. Her academic journey in Japan equipped her with the knowledge and credentials necessary to enter the highly competitive Japanese legal arena. In March 2022, she achieved the historic feat of becoming the first Sri Lankan lawyer registered with both the Japanese Federation Bar Association and the Tokyo Daini Bar Association.

Currently, as a partner at Atsumi & Sakai, one of Japan’s top-tier law firms, Mrs. Pathirana is focused on strengthening the economic ties between Japan and Sri Lanka. She is at the forefront of efforts to attract Japanese investors to Sri Lanka, aiming to boost the country’s economic development. Towards the end of November 2024, Atsumi & Sakai will host its first seminar on “Doing Business in Sri Lanka,” an event that will see over 8,000 Japanese investors explore new opportunities in the island nation.