In a landmark moment for school sports partnerships in Sri Lanka, Dharmaraja College Kandy announced a strategic partnership with ESU – ESOFT Uni as the main sponsor of its First XV rugby team for the 2025 season. The announcement took place during the grand opening ceremony of ESU’s new university campus in Kandy, signaling a new era of collaboration between two institutions that share a passion for excellence, discipline, and youth empowerment.

The sponsorship announcement was made in the presence of several distinguished guests and stakeholders, including Dr. Dayan Rajapakse, Chairman and Group Managing Director; Nishan Sembacuttiaratchy, Chief Executive Officer; Amila Bandara, Chief Operating Officer of ESU; Mahesh Karunaratna, Principal of Dharmaraja College; Kapila Ekanayake, Prefect of Games; Rear Admiral Sanath Pitigala, President of the Old Rajans Rugby Football Association (ORRFA); Chatura Wijesuriya (ORRFA); and key representatives of the Rajans Elite Group, including Indika De Zoysa and Kamal Sugathapala. Representing the Dharmaraja College Old Boys’ Union (OBU) were Secretary Saliya Dhanayake and Treasurer Shiral Dissanayake, whose involvement showcased the broad and unified support behind this initiative.

This game-changing partnership was driven by the Rajans Elite Group under the banner

of the Rajans Ball 2025 Fundraising Campaign a long-term effort by past pupils to reinvigorate and support Dharmaraja Rugby. The group has successfully connected school tradition with contemporary opportunities, proving once again that the strength of alumni networks lies in action, not just sentiment.

Dr. Dayan Rajapakse, addressing the crowd during the dual celebration of the new campus launch and sponsorship announcement, spoke passionately about the broader vision. “We

believe in empowering youth not only through education but also through sport. Supporting Dharmaraja Rugby is an investment in discipline, teamwork, and leadership. This partnership reflects our commitment to holistic student growth and contributing meaningfully to the communities we serve,” he said.

Principal Mahesh Karunaratna praised the initiative and recognized it as a transformative moment for the school’s rugby program. “We are proud to see Dharmaraja partnering with an institution like ESU – ESOFT Uni. Our shared values around leadership, character building, and excellence are what make this collaboration meaningful. This support will undoubtedly provide our boys with new resources and motivation to reach their full potential on and off the field.”

ORRFA President Rear Admiral Sanath Pitigala noted the significance of this sponsorship from the alumni perspective. “This partnership reflects the unity and shared purpose of Rajans across generations. With the professional support of ESOFT Uni and the strategic vision of the Rajans Elite Group, we are laying the foundation for a strong future in school rugby. This is more than a sponsorship it’s a statement of intent.”

Indika De Zoysa and Kamal Sugathapala, representing the Rajans Elite Group, were praised for their instrumental roles in facilitating the partnership. Their collaboration with stakeholders, including the OBU’s Saliya Dhanayake and Shiral Dissanayake, highlighted how structured alumni engagement can drive real change in school communities.

The partnership is expected to deliver wide-ranging benefits to the Dharmaraja Rugby team, including improved facilities, enhanced coaching programs, access to sports science and nutrition, and greater opportunities for competition and recognition. Beyond the technical and logistical advantages, this sponsorship brings a renewed sense of pride, unity, and ambition to the Rajans’ rugby journey.

In an era where many schools face financial constraints in supporting extracurricular programs, this model of collaboration between educational institutions and old boys’ networks offers a blueprint for sustainability and growth. ESOFT Uni’s presence as both an academic powerhouse and now a school sports sponsor reinforces the belief that education and sport are two sides of the same coin in youth development.

With the 2025 season on the horizon, the young Rajans will step onto the field with renewed confidence backed by tradition, guided by purpose, and inspired by a partnership that believes in their potential every step of the way.