ESOFT Metro Campus, a leading higher education institution in Sri Lanka, announced its partnership with Royal College to sponsor the school’s Hockey Team for the 2024/25 season.

This partnership underscores ESOFT’s commitment to enhancing the standards of school hockey and fostering holistic student development, the company said.

Royal College has a distinguished history in hockey, consistently excelling at national levels and securing numerous championships across various age categories over the past four decades. Last year, the team clinched victory in the annual "Big Match" against archrivals St. Thomas College, Mount Lavinia, claiming the Orville Abeynaike trophy.

"We are delighted to sponsor the Royal College Hockey team for the upcoming year. At ESOFT, we believe in the power of sports to shape character, build leadership skills, and bring communities together," stated Dr. Dyan Rajapakse, Chairman and Managing Director of ESOFT Group.

"Our commitment goes beyond just sponsorship; we aim to uplift the standards of hockey at Royal College and support the overall development of students' physical and mental well-being."

Mr Thilak Waththuhewa, the Principal of Royal College said the ESOFT Metro Campus sponsorship is a significant milestone for the college.

"It reflects our shared values of excellence and dedication. We are grateful for ESOFT’s support and anticipate a successful season ahead,” Mr. Waththuhewa said.

In support of the partnership, Mr. Riyaz Aluher, Assistant Principal and Senior Games Master of Royal College, added, "ESOFT’s sponsorship will empower our hockey players with resources and motivation to excel on and off the field. We look forward to seeing our athletes thrive under this valuable collaboration."

Mr. Vasantha de Silva, a founder member and former secretary of the Royal College Hockey Club (RCHC), emphasized that the sponsorship will not only provide crucial resources but also motivate Royal  players to achieve new heights.

“With extensive participation at the school level, this support will significantly bolster our hockey program," de Silva said.

The official announcement of the sponsorship took place at a ceremony held at Cinnamon Grand, attended by key figures including Mr. Thilak Waththuhewa, Dr. Dyan Rajapakse, Mr. Nishan Sembacuttiaratchy (CEO of ESOFT Metro Campus Pvt Ltd and Director of ESOFT International Education Pvt Ltd), Mr. Amila Bandara (COO, Group Business Development), Mr. Vasantha de Silva, Mr Damitha Silva, Secretary of RCHC, Dr S J Senanayake, Treasurer of RCHC, and Mr Prabath Gallage (Senior Teacher in Charge of Hockey at Royal College).

Photo Caption: (Pictured L to R): Mr Damitha Silva – Secretary of Royal College Hockey Club; Mr Prabath Gallage - Senior Teacher in Charge of Hockey at Royal College; Mr Riyaz Aluher - Vice Principal and Senior Games Master of Royal College; Sihath Dassanayake – Captain of Royal College Hockey; Dr Dayan Rajapakse, Chairman and Managing Director of ESOFT Group; Mr Thilak Waththuhewa – Principal of Royal College; Mr Nishan Sembacuttiaratchy – CEO of ESOFT Metro Campus (Pvt) Ltd and Director of ESOFT International Education (Pvt) Ltd; Mr Amila Bandara – COO - Group Business Development, ESOFT Metro Campus (Pvt) Ltd; Mr Nuwan Diwakara – Assistant Treasurer of Royal College Hockey Club.