Local tech firm’s achievement marks major step forward for Sri Lanka’s digital independence
In a groundbreaking development for Sri Lanka’s technology sector, OREL IT has become the first organisation in the country to receive TIA-942-C Design Certification for its data centre facility in Nawinna, Maharagama The certification confirms the facility meets Tier 3 standards, placing it among the world’s most reliable data infrastructure. This isn’t just another technical achievement. It’s proof that Sri Lankan companies can compete on the global stage using homegrown expertise and innovation.
Building Sri Lanka’s digital future since 2014
OREL IT has been quietly revolutionising Sri Lanka’s data centre landscape for over a decade. Back in 2014, when most companies were still thinking traditionally, OREL IT took a bold step and became the first Sri Lankan enterprise to implement Modular Data Centres (MDCs). What seemed like a risky move at the time has proven to be visionary and the company now operates five modular data centres, some of which have been running flawlessly for more than ten years.
From data centres to cloud leadership
Last year brought another major milestone when OREL IT launched Sri Lanka’s largest cloud infrastructure, becoming the country’s first non-telecommunications company to provide cloud services. But they didn’t stop there. OREL IT built Sri Lanka’s only sovereign private cloud, designed according to strict National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines. This wasn’t just about offering another cloud service. The focus was on creating a solution that keeps local data within the Sri Lankan borders, ensuring compliance with local regulations and strengthening national digital resilience.
The company’s approach to reliability is comprehensive. Their primary infrastructure runs at Orion Stellar, currently the only TIA-certified commercial data centre in Sri Lanka. For disaster recovery, they maintain multiple backup instances at an Uptime Institute Tier III certified facility along with several internal geo-redundant locations. Now, with their own TIA-942-C certified facility joining this network, clients get unprecedented flexibility and security with complete local control.
What this certification really means
The TIA-942-C is the gold standard for data centre design worldwide. The evaluation process is exhaustive, covering everything from basic architecture to complex electrical and mechanical systems, telecommunications infrastructure, security protocols, and fire safety measures. Achieving Tier 3 status under this framework means OREL IT’s facility can undergo maintenance without any downtime, a crucial capability for the enterprise, financial services, healthcare, and government clients that already rely on OREL CLOUD services. Having this design certification before construction begins is particularly valuable. It means the building process will proceed with confidence, knowing that the final facility will meet the highest international standards without costly redesigns or delays.
Competing with giants, staying local
This latest certification is OREL IT’s eighth data centre project, building on substantial previous success. Four of their facilities have already achieved full certification, two more are currently under construction with design certifications in hand, and one existing facility is being upgraded to Tier III standards.
What’s remarkable is that OREL IT now competes directly with major regional telecommunications companies in cloud and infrastructure services, despite not being a traditional telecom provider. The entire operation is powered by Sri Lankan engineers, architects, and technologists, demonstrating that world-class infrastructure doesn’t need to be imported and it can be built right here at home.
Looking ahead
As OREL IT’s leadership puts it, this achievement shows that Sri Lanka can build for itself at international standards, create capacity rather than simply consume it, and lead innovation rather than follow established patterns. The construction of OREL IT’s certified facility is expected to begin soon, with completion planned for next year. Once operational, it will provide Sri Lankan businesses and organisations with access to truly world-class data centre services, designed and operated entirely by local professionals.
ENDS
