ESU-ESoft strategic partner of Dharmaraja Rugby for 2025
View(s):In a landmark moment for school sports partnerships in Sri Lanka, Dharmaraja College officially announced its 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 campus in Kandy, signaling a new era of collaboration between two institutions that share a passion for excellence, discipline, and youth empowerment.
This 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.
“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,” Dr. Dayan Rajapakse, said during the dual celebration of the new campus launch and sponsorship announcement.
Principal of Dharmaraja, Mahesh Karunaratna praised the initiative and recognised it as a transformative moment for the school’s rugby programme.
“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.”
Rear Admiral Sanath Pitigala, the President of Old Rajans’ Rugby Football Association (ORRFA) 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 programmes, access to sports science and nutrition, and greater opportunities for competition and recognition.
The sponsorship announcement was made in the presence of 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, Dharmaraja College), Kapila Ekanayake (Prefect of Games), Rear Admiral Sanath Pitigala (President, 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 Dahanayake and Treasurer Shiral Dissanayake, whose involvement showcased the broad and unified support behind this initiative.