How a homegrown tech powerhouse is redefining Sri Lanka’s digital destiny

In an era where digital sovereignty has become synonymous with national resilience, OREL IT stands as a compelling case study. A Sri Lankan-born technology firm that has quietly evolved into a global technology provider while anchoring its mission in local empowerment.

With deep-rooted expertise in artificial intelligence and data science, and a diversified portfolio spanning cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, software development and data centre solutions, OREL IT is challenging the notion that emerging markets must rely on foreign technology imports. Instead, it is proving that Sri Lanka can be a creator—not just a consumer of next gen digital solutions.

From humble beginnings to AI leadership

The company’s origins trace back to an ambitious bet, that Sri Lanka could compete in the global AI value chain. Long before AI became a buzzword, OREL IT established itself as a pioneer in data annotation, laying the groundwork for advanced machine learning models used by Fortune 500 companies. Its early work powered innovations ranging from autonomous vehicles to medical diagnostics—proving that Sri Lankan talent could deliver world-class AI solutions.

“When we started, the assumption was that AI expertise had to come from Silicon Valley or Europe,” recalls OREL IT CEO Dr. Upendra Pieris. “But we saw differently. Our engineers were just as capable. They simply needed the right platform. Today, we’re not just service providers; we’re solution architects shaping industries worldwide.”

A diversified tech ecosystem with global reach

What began as an AI specialist has since matured into a full-spectrum technology enabler. OREL IT’s growth mirrors the digital transformation wave itself—expanding from niche expertise into foundational infrastructure.

• OREL Cloud, Sri Lanka’s first sovereign cloud platform, has achieved ISO 27017 certification, a rarity in emerging markets. It offers enterprises and government entities a compliant, cost-effective alternative to foreign hyperscalers.
• The firm’s cybersecurity division, bolstered by strategic alliances with global leaders such as Russia’s Group-IB, France’s Thales, Singapore’s Rajah and Tann, and Infotect Security, delivers end-to-end protection, ensuring that Sri Lankan enterprises operate with the same security rigor as their global counterparts.
• Its data centre design team has delivered over 50 Tier III/IV facilities across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, underscoring its engineering credibility.

“Our approach has always been about solving real-world problems, not just selling technology,” explains OREL IT Chief Technology Officer Sameera Abeysinghe. “When we design a data centre or secure a cloud environment, we’re thinking about scalability, sustainability, and sovereignty. That’s why global clients trust us—and why Sri Lanka should, too.”

Digital sovereignty as a national imperative

As Sri Lanka prepares for stricter data protection regulations under the PDPA 2025, OREL IT is positioning itself as a key enabler of compliance and resilience. Its locally managed cloud and cybersecurity offerings provide a viable alternative to reliance on foreign providers—a critical advantage in an age of geopolitical data risks.

“Digital independence isn’t just about pride; it’s about security,” Dr. Pieris emphasises. “If we can build and secure infrastructure for multinationals, why shouldn’t our own banks, hospitals, and government agencies benefit from that same expertise?”

Investing in the next generation

Beyond infrastructure, OREL IT is addressing a more systemic challenge: Sri Lanka’s tech talent gap. Through OREL Academy, the firm partners with institutions like SANS Institute, Huawei, and Microsoft to deliver globally recognised certifications in AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.

Its apprenticeship model—which allows school leavers to gain hands-on experience while earning industry credentials—has become a blueprint for workforce development. “We are not just training employees; we’re nurturing future innovators,” Abeysinghe added.

The road ahead

OREL IT’s trajectory offers a broader lesson for Sri Lanka’s tech ecosystem: with the right mix of ambition, investment, and trust in local talent, homegrown firms can compete on the global stage.

Strategic alliances with Microsoft, TATA, and Huawei have amplified its capabilities, while its commitment to ethical technology—summarised in its “Leveraging technology to empower humanity” ethos—sets it apart in an industry often criticised for profit-first motives.

As Dr. Pieris puts it: “Our goal isn’t just to be a successful company. It’s to prove that Sri Lanka can be a hub of sustainable, human-centric innovation. The technology revolution doesn’t need to happen elsewhere—it’s happening right here.”

For a nation navigating economic headwinds, OREL IT’s story is a timely reminder: the path to recovery may well be digital.