Why Sri Lanka must lead its own digital future, a conversation with OREL IT CEO, Dr. Upendra Pieris
At a time where digital transformation is the backbone of national development, the country faces and interesting question: Why we are still dependent on overseas cloud and tech expertise, when world class solutions are already being developed locally? OREL IT is boldly challenging this mindset.
OREL IT has a 100% local team, a continuously expanding global footprint, and was recognised as the ‘Most Innovative Service Provider of the Year’ at the 26th Presidential Export Awards. The company also received top honours at the Best Management Practices Awards 2025. These accolades are proof that Sri Lanka no longer has to relay on international tech giants for digital transformation.
Dr. Upendra Pieris, Chief Executive Officer of OREL IT, shared his insights about the company’s rise, the future of Sri Lankan technology, and why it is important for the nations to look inward for digital leadership.
Q: OREL IT recently received recognition at the 26th Presidential Export Awards 2024. What does this recognition mean for the company, and for the countries tech industry?
Being recognised as the ‘Most Innovative Service Provider of the Year’ at the 26th Presidential Export Awards and receiving high honours in the IT/ICT/BPM sector at the Best Management Practices Awards, are truly remarkable milestones. It is a victory for both OREL IT and Sri Lanka’s entire IT ecosystem. The recognition reaffirms our belief that a 100% Sri Lankan team can compete at the highest international level. Most importantly, we hope that this could push a national conversation about why we keep looking overseas for cloud and digital solutions when we have the capability in Sri Lanka.
Q: How confident are you that OREL IT and Sri Lanka, can sustain large scale digital transformation independently?
Let’s look at the journey of OREL IT. Since our inception in 2010, we grew from a startup to Sri Lanka’s largest IT exporter by 2018. We have built and consulted for over 50 global data centres, advised over five governments on digital strategy, and deployed private cloud and cybersecurity solutions for international clients. All of this was done by a local team. So, if we can build global infrastructure and secure data for foreign governments, I see no reason why we can’t do the same in Sri Lanka.
Q: It is perceived that international tech companies are safest, why do you think this mindset persists?
Unfortunately, we have been conditioned for years to believe that international equates to better. However, the world has changed and so has the talent landscape in Sri Lanka. Today, we have the infrastructure, the knowledge and the ambition. The evolution of OREL IT is proof of this. We are exporting world-class digital solutions daily, while the rest of the country is being told to import them. This is the narrative that needs to be changed.
Q: What is OREL Cloud and how does it contribute to Sri Lanka’s digital independence?
OREL Cloud is an answer to the growing requirement for secure, scalable, locally developed infrastructure. It is completely homegrown and is fully capable. In a time where data sovereignty is just as important as national security, it is vital that we are in control of how our data is stored. With OREL Cloud, we’re offering enterprise-grade, globally benchmarked solutions that are made in Sri Lanka, for Sri Lanka.
Q: What role could OREL IT play in the country’s digital roadmap?
As a service provider, we see ourselves as more of a national enabler. In that we are more than ready to support the public and private sectors in achieving full digital transformation securely, sustainably, and strategically. From AI and cybersecurity to cloud infrastructure, we already have the capability. What is needed is the belief. We want to be at the forefront of Sri Lanka’s digital transformations, and not just an option.
Q: What’s your message to policymakers, businesses, and the public?
My message would simply be, trust local and believe in the talent that we have. It is important that we recognise the potential we already have, and what we can achieve going forward. We don’t need to wait for digital transformation to come from overseas, when it is already happening right here at home.
OREL IT’s journey from a local startup to Sri Lanka’s largest IT exporter isn’t just a business success story—it’s a blueprint for national digital sovereignty. With global achievements, end-to-end tech capabilities, and a vision grounded in local empowerment, OREL IT has shown what’s possible when Sri Lankan talent is given the tools and trust to lead.
ENDS