Sulaika Dhanapala

Sulaika Dhanapala brings a wealth of experience as the Director and Principal Solicitor at D & M Lawyers. Admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka in 1985 and subsequently in the Supreme Court of Victoria and the High Court of Australia in 2001, Sulaika has been diligently serving the legal community for over two decades. Her practice focuses on family and immigration law, where she has gained a reputation for her straightforward and effective approach, ensuring clients receive swift and cost-efficient resolutions. Throughout her extensive career, Sulaika has successfully navigated complex parenting cases and challenging property proceedings and has been instrumental in assisting numerous clients in obtaining permanent residency in Australia. Her candid, direct communication style and strong advocacy skills are evident both in court and during negotiations. She possesses considerable experience across various registries, including the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia and the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria. Sulaika has also contributed significantly to legal education, serving as a lecturer at the University of Ballarat and Victoria University. Her leadership roles have included positions as Principal Solicitor at the Central Highlands Legal Centre and Whittlesea Community Legal Centre, among others. She has a robust commitment to justice reform and community service, evidenced by her founding roles in organisations such as NESB LINKS and the Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council. Her contributions to multicultural awareness and refugee support have been recognised with several prestigious awards. Sulaika’s involvement extends to various leadership positions, including Chairperson of the Sri Lankan Australian Lawyers Association and former Deputy Chairwoman of the Victorian Immigrant and Refugee Women’s Coalition. Under her guidance, D & M Lawyers thrives, offering specialised services in property law, family law, immigration law, and more. The firm, distinguished by its diverse team, provides services in multiple languages, including Sinhalese, Macedonian, and Korean, catering to a broad clientele both locally and internationally. Outside her professional realm, Sulaika enjoys sharing her culinary talents with friends and family, balancing her dedication to her clients and community with personal passions.