Why Sri Lanka is an ideal tech destination for US companies
US companies have built core engineering in Sri Lanka for more than 20 years. Sysco LABS builds Sysco's core software in Colombo on the same codebase as its Texas teams. Synopsys and Zebra Technologies run product R&D here. Virtusa, cofounded by a Sri Lankan in Boston, has 3,000+ engineers in Colombo. Startups use Oceans to add Sri Lankan operators and specialists to their teams.
- 3,000+
- Virtusa engineers in Colombo
- #54
- Sysco's Fortune 500 rank
- 600+
- US companies use Oceans talent
7 companies connected to the USA already build in Sri Lanka
Sysco LABSInnovation and engineering arm of Sysco, working with teams in Austin and Houston.Read the story and sources
SynopsysChip design software R&D for the Nasdaq listed leader in electronic design automation.Read the story and sources
Zebra TechnologiesSoftware R&D center for a Nasdaq listed enterprise technology company.Read the story and sources
VirtusaServes 20+ Fortune 50 companies and four of the top five US banks.Read the story and sources
HealthRecon ConnectHITRUST certified revenue operations for hundreds of US healthcare providers.Read the story and sources
OceansPlaces Sri Lankan professionals with US startups such as Morning Brew and beehiiv.Read the story and sources
XeynergyBuilds software for US clients across the full technology lifecycle.Read the story and sourcesWorking hours and time zones
Sri Lanka is 9.5 to 10.5 hours ahead of US Eastern time, so a standard 9 to 6 day in both places does not overlap. Teams that serve US clients work a later shift. A Colombo team working until 9.30pm shares two to three hours with the East Coast morning. Many US companies use the gap on purpose: work handed over at the end of the US day is ready the next morning.
What US companies source from Sri Lanka
HealthtechRegulated health platforms and operations
Automotive techEmbedded, electric vehicle and connected car software
Fintech and capital marketsTrading, banking and wealth platforms
AIAI products, agents and data platforms
Enterprise software and ERPERP, integration and large product codebases
Semiconductors and embeddedChip design tools and device software
Logistics and travel techBooking, warehouse and supply chain systems
Govtech and public sectorPublic sector platforms and secure delivery
Finance and shared servicesAccounting, finance operations and shared servicesThree ways to start
Hire a few people
Use an employer of record or contractors. No local company needed. How it works
Take a dedicated team
A Sri Lankan company runs a team that works only for you. See companies
Open your own centre
Register a company and hire directly. Setup guide
Tell us who you need
We introduce Sri Lankan engineers, specialists or partner teams who have worked with companies from the USA.
Common questions
How do US companies handle the time difference with Sri Lanka?
Standard working days do not overlap, so Sri Lankan teams serving US clients usually work a later shift that covers the US morning. Others use the gap for overnight progress and hand over at each end of the day.
Which US companies have engineering teams in Sri Lanka?
Sysco, Synopsys, Zebra Technologies and Virtusa all run engineering in Colombo. EY and HSBC also operate there.
Can a US startup hire just one or two people in Sri Lanka?
Yes. You can hire through an employer of record, take contractors, or use a company such as Oceans. Tell us the role and we will point you to the right route.