FJ&G de Saram provided a robust training ground. I was fortunate to work on a variety of corporate and commercial matters, which gave me broad exposure and sharpened my legal instincts
Legal is not just a gatekeeper, it’s a strategic partner that helps the business move quickly and safely
In a world where legal expertise is often viewed through a narrow, courtroom-focused lens, Anushika Abeywickrama stands out as a multifaceted legal professional redefining what it means to practice law within a corporate environment. As Group Legal Counsel for the Maliban Group, she’s not only built an in-house legal function but also embedded strategic, business-friendly legal thinking into the fabric of a fast-paced conglomerate. With a background in commercial litigation, finance, and governance, Anushika brings a rare blend of analytical rigour and business savvy.
Beyond her legal accomplishments, she is also a devoted mother and passionate mentor, committed to empowering the next generation of women in law. In this wide-ranging interview, she shares the pivotal moments that shaped her journey, the challenges and rewards of her dual role as a legal leader and mother, and the legacy she hopes to leave behind.
QWhat inspired you to pursue law, and how did your journey begin at the Faculty of Law, University of Colombo?
I’ve always had a deep sense of curiosity, especially around stories that felt unfair or one-sided. As a teenager, I would read the news and often be struck by cases where justice seemed elusive, particularly in situations involving discrimination against women. I found myself wanting to dig deeper, to ask why something happened and what could have been done differently. That natural inquisitiveness and sense of justice led me to study law at the University of Colombo. The Faculty of Law was an intellectually rich and demanding environment. It challenged me, shaped my thinking, and taught me the discipline necessary for legal practice. Just as importantly, I found a group of like-minded peers who became more like family. To this day, we continue to engage in thoughtful conversations about ethics, justice, and the evolving role of law in society. That foundation gave me both the confidence and clarity to build a career that centers on fairness, purpose, and impact.
QCan you share a defining moment in your early legal career that shaped your professional path?
One standout moment came early in my career while assisting in a commercial dispute between two large corporate entities. The case required far more than just legal analysis, it demanded an understanding of business dynamics, strategic negotiation, and risk assessment. I realised during this process that I had a knack for developing practical solutions that went beyond what the legal textbooks taught. I began offering suggestions that made commercial sense and were grounded in business reality. That was a turning point for me - I saw the value lawyers could bring not just in litigation, but as enablers of growth and sound decision-making within organisations. It was then that I made the shift from litigation to corporate advisory work. I became passionate about governance and strategic legal support, recognising that the role of a lawyer can, and should, go far beyond arguing cases. We can lead with integrity and be critical partners in business success.
QWhat was your experience like transitioning from legal academia to high-pressure corporate legal environments?
It was definitely an eye-opener. In law school, we were immersed in theory, studying case law, dissecting legal principles, and engaging in academic debate. But when I entered the corporate world, I quickly realised that legal advice needs to be more than just correct, it has to be actionable and aligned with business needs. Clients and business leaders don’t just want to know what the law says, they want to know what it means for their operations and bottom line. I had to learn to communicate complex legal concepts in a way that was accessible and relevant to non-lawyers. There’s a significant shift in mindset required - from academic analysis to practical problem-solving under tight deadlines and high stakes. That said, I found the challenge energising. It played to my strengths and pushed me to grow. Over time, I learned to offer advice that balanced legal rigour with business agility, and to see myself not just as a lawyer, but as a trusted advisor.
QYour time at FJ&G de Saram gave you a strong foundation, how did it prepare you for your transition into the finance sector?
FJ&G de Saram provided a robust training ground. I was fortunate to work on a variety of corporate and commercial matters, which gave me broad exposure and sharpened my legal instincts. One of the most impactful aspects of my time there was the extensive due diligence work. It taught me how to dissect a business, to understand its structure, governance, compliance mechanisms, and risk profile. These skills translated directly into the finance sector, where risk assessment, internal controls, and regulatory compliance are critical. In finance, it’s not enough to understand the law, you need to know how it applies in real-world, high-stakes scenarios. The experience I gained at FJ&G taught me to identify not just legal risks, but reputational and operational ones as well. It was the perfect launchpad for a career that straddles both law and business.
QHow do you balance risk management with business agility in your decision-making process as Group Legal Counsel?
When I joined Maliban as the first in-house legal counsel, I had the rare opportunity to build the legal function from the ground up. That meant establishing legal operations, drafting SOPs, and instilling a culture of proactive risk awareness. For me, balancing risk and agility comes down to trust and clarity. I work closely with business leaders to understand their priorities, which allows me to offer legal advice that supports, rather than obstructs, innovation. We create frameworks that provide guardrails but still allow room for fast, creative decision-making. By embedding legal thinking into the business early, we’ve created an environment where people see the legal function as an enabler. Legal is not just a gatekeeper, it’s a strategic partner that helps the business move quickly and safely.
QWhat advice would you give to young legal professionals who aspire to transition into leadership roles in the corporate sector?
First and foremost, broaden your perspective. Legal expertise is important, but leadership demands more, a strong understanding of business strategy, excellent communication, and the ability to think holistically.
Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Get involved in cross-functional projects. Learn about operations, marketing, finance, all the moving parts of a business. Build relationships across departments and understand the pressures your colleagues face. Leadership is as much about influence as it is about authority. Find mentors who inspire you and always be open to learning. And finally, develop resilience. There will be tough days and hard decisions but stay grounded and true to your values. That’s what earns long-term trust and respect.
QYou are not only a legal professional but also a mother and wife. How do you balance the responsibilities of family with your demanding role in the legal world?
It’s not easy, and I don’t believe in pretending that it is. Balancing career and family is a constant juggling act, and some days one inevitably takes precedence over the other. The key for me has been a strong support system, my family, extended family, and close friends are an incredible source of strength. I’ve also learned to embrace the idea that I don’t have to be perfect at everything all the time. Some days I’ll miss bedtime because of a meeting, and other days I’ll postpone work to attend a school event. It’s about being present and making the time you do have count. Even if it’s an hour, I make sure I’m fully engaged. And perhaps most importantly, I try to practice self-compassion. I remind myself that I’m doing my best, and that’s enough.
QWhat does success look like to you, as a woman, a professional, and a parent?
For me, success is about contentment and integrity. It’s not about perfection or accolades, it’s about knowing I’ve done my best in all the roles I play. If I can end the day feeling that I was present, honest, and gave my full effort, whether as a professional, a parent, or a friend, then I consider that a successful day. I also believe that real success includes kindness and generosity. No matter how busy or ambitious we are, we must make time to help others, to share what we’ve learned, and to give back. That, to me, is the true measure of a life well lived.
QHow important is mentorship for women in law, and do you take on mentees yourself?
Mentorship is absolutely vital, especially for women entering a field that can often feel intimidating or isolating. I was lucky to have two incredible mentors early in my career, Ms. Manjula Ellepola and Ms. Ayomi Aluwihare at FJ&G de Saram. Their belief in me gave me the confidence to take risks and trust my instincts. Now, I try to pay that forward. I actively recruit and mentor young lawyers, particularly women. I believe mentorship is about more than just giving advice, it’s about building relationships, creating opportunities, and helping others find their voice.
QWhat legacy do you hope to leave behind in the legal and corporate world?
I hope to be remembered as someone who led with integrity, made a meaningful impact, and created space for others to thrive. Coming from a non-legal family background, I had to forge my own path, and I hope my story inspires others who may not come from traditional or privileged beginnings. Ultimately, I want to be known not just for what I achieved, but for how I lifted others along the way. Whether through mentorship, leadership, or example, I hope to leave behind a legacy of empowerment, resilience, and purpose.
RAPID FIRE ROUND
Law or Leadership: What excites you more?
Both. Law gives me the foundation, but leadership allows me to create real impact.
Courtroom drama or corporate strategy?
Corporate strategy. I love the intensity and being part of shaping the bigger picture.
A legal term you love using?
Quid pro quo — something for something.
One word your team would use to describe you?
Fast-paced!
Biggest myth about lawyers?
That we’re all argumentative. Let myths be myths!
One case or deal you’ll never forget?
Negotiating the Mars Wrigley agreement; high stakes, high pressure, and a proud outcome.
Morning meetings or late-night emails?
Wish it were morning emails and late-night meetings - then we could say adios after!
Coffee or tea to survive a legal deadline?
Neither! Good old Coca Cola does the trick!
Power suit or comfy saree?
Comfy saree, because style and comfort can absolutely coexist.
Best advice you’ve ever received?
“Lead with integrity, and the rest will follow.”
