Sri Lanka tech industry facts and statistics
Sri Lanka's IT and business process sector exported USD 1.645 billion of services in 2025 and employs roughly 150,000 people. It is home to most of IFS's global R&D, to engineering centres for Sysco, Synopsys and Zebra, and to exits worth up to USD 2 billion. The key numbers are below, each with its source.
Last reviewed 10 October 2026. Where sources disagree we show the range and say who reported what.
How big are Sri Lanka's IT and BPM exports?
USD 1.645 billion in 2025, up 8.8% on the year, according to the Export Development Board. The Central Bank's narrower balance of payments measure records about USD 0.8 billion, and the industry estimates about USD 2 billion, because revenue booked abroad and freelance income are not fully captured.
How many people work in tech in Sri Lanka?
The Export Development Board cites 146,000 people employed in the sector. Press reports of industry estimates in 2026 put it at about 175,000. The last full official survey counted 124,873 ICT workers in 2018.
Sources: Export Development Board, National IT and BPM Workforce Survey 2019
How many ICT graduates does Sri Lanka produce each year?
Startup Genome's 2026 report says 12,000+. Industry estimates reported in the press in 2026 say about 17,000 enter the sector each year.
Sources: Our story on the 2026 report
How does Sri Lanka rank for tech talent?
Third in Asia for affordable tech talent in Startup Genome's Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2026, which also recorded Sri Lanka climbing more than 65 places in its emerging ecosystem rankings, the biggest jump that year.
Sources: Our story
What are the biggest Sri Lankan tech exits?
Virtusa, cofounded by a Sri Lankan, was acquired for USD 2 billion in 2021. WSO2 was acquired by EQT for USD 600 million in 2024. The London Stock Exchange bought MillenniumIT after choosing its trading platform. JPMorganChase acquired WealthOS in 2026.
Sources: Virtusa, WSO2, MillenniumIT, WealthOS
Which global companies run R&D in Sri Lanka?
IFS runs 75% of its global R&D from Colombo. Sysco, Synopsys and Zebra Technologies run engineering or R&D centres there. HCLTech, EY, HSBC and WNS run delivery operations.
Sources: Our roundup, Companies directory
Who are the largest tech employers in Sri Lanka?
Virtusa has 3,000+ engineers in Colombo and IFS has 2,200+ employees there.
Sources: Virtusa, Our roundup
What time zone is Sri Lanka in?
UTC+5:30 all year, with no daylight saving. That is 1.5 hours ahead of the UAE, 3.5 to 4.5 hours ahead of Central Europe, 4.5 to 5.5 hours ahead of the UK and 9.5 to 10.5 hours ahead of US Eastern time.
Sources: Guides by country
What does a software engineer earn in Sri Lanka?
A median of about LKR 177,000 a month (about USD 535) according to self reported Glassdoor data for 2026, and about LKR 260,000 for a senior engineer. Export focused employers pay more.
Sources: Salary and cost guide
What tax do IT exporters pay in Sri Lanka?
15% on income from services exported and paid for in foreign currency, from 1 April 2025. The standard corporate rate is 30%.
Sources: Setup guide
Can foreigners fully own a tech company in Sri Lanka?
Yes. IT and software companies can be 100% foreign owned and can repatriate profits, according to the Board of Investment.
Sources: Setup guide
Which universities feed the tech industry?
The University of Moratuwa, a top contributor to Google Summer of Code since 2004, and SLIIT, the largest private tech university with 25,000+ students, are the best known. Peradeniya and Ruhuna teach chip design with a curriculum built with Synopsys.
Sources: Universities, Synopsys
Where are the main tech parks in Colombo?
Orion City in Colombo 09 houses 85+ technology companies. TRACE Expert City in Colombo 10, the World Trade Center in Colombo 01 and Port City Colombo are the other main hubs.
Sources: Orion City
Is there an AI industry in Sri Lanka?
Yes. Roar Global runs the country's first AI gateway, Xeynergy builds its own AI products and Rootcode builds AI platforms for the Estonian government.
Sources: Why Sri Lanka for AI
Suggested credit: Tech Destination Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka tech industry facts 2026, https://techdestinationsrilanka.lk/guides/sri-lanka-tech-industry-facts/
Need a number we do not have?
Ask us. If we can source it, we will add it here.