ESU–ESOFT Uni powers Dharmaraja rugby

 Mahesh Karunaratne, Principal of Dharmaraja College receiving the team rugby jersey from Dr. Dayan Rajapakse, Chairman and Group Managing Director, ESU-ESOFT Uni flanked by the officials of the Old Rajans Rugby Football Association officials

By M. Shamil Amit

One of the top playing rugby schools in the hill capital, Dharmaraja College first XV team will be powered by ESU-ESOFT Uni this season.

The announcement and the signing of the MoU took place during the grand opening ceremony of ESU’s new university campus in Kandy.

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 (POG); 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 Dahanayake and Treasurer Shiral Dissanayake.

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 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 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.” He also thanked Indika de Zoysa and Kamal Sugathapala for facilitating the partnership.

Dharmaraja clinched the Schools Rugby League title in 2013 led by Rochana Hettarachchi and will be looking forward to put their best foot forward. They will begin their league campaign on June 6 against Zahira in Colombo followed by matches against Mahanama on June 15 in Colombo, Isipathana on June 22 at Nittawela, S. Thomas’ on June 27 at Nittawela and Kingswood on July 5 at Nittawela.