In a milestone celebration that blended legacy with ambition, ESOFT Metro Campus commemorated its 25th anniversary last Thursday at the Shangri-La, Colombo, while launching what was described by some as “a bold new chapter for Sri Lankan higher education”: the unveiling of ESOFT Uni (ESU).
The event drew academics, alumni, government officials and industry leaders from across the country to celebrate ESOFT’s journey and witness the announcement of ESU—a new, independent arm dedicated exclusively to undergraduate and postgraduate education. The evening underscored not only the institution’s impact on tens of thousands of students over two decades but also its forward-looking vision to elevate Sri Lanka’s position in the global education map.
Announcing the creation of ESU, Dr. Dayan Rajapakse, chairman and Group Managing Director of ESOFT Metro Campus, explained the rationale behind the strategic separation:
“For 25 years, our mission has been to make quality education accessible to all, he said. “With ESU, we are establishing a new identity—one that delivers a true university experience, aligned with global standards in infrastructure, pedagogy and academic culture.”
While ESOFT will continue its core focus on vocational training and professional certifications through its 40+ Metro Campuses and Colleges, ESU will chart its own course as a higher education institution. The transition aims to cater to a new generation of learners seeking globally relevant degrees and a campus experience that goes beyond skills training.
“We want students to feel like they’re at a real university, not just a training institute, Rajapakse emphasized. “ESU gives us the ability to separate our brands and elevate our academic programs with a stronger focus on innovation and research.”
ESU will initially operate three university campuses—in Colombo, Kandy, and Jaffna—reflecting ESOFT’s long-term commitment to equitable access across regions. These institutions are being equipped with modern physical infrastructure and academic leadership, including newly appointed vice chancellors and deans.
This transformation comes amid growing concerns around the “brain drain” and the increasing number of Sri Lankan students seeking degrees abroad. ESU’s 10-year strategic plan directly addresses this issue, aiming to provide high-quality, internationally benchmarked degree programs that allow students to stay, learn and build futures in Sri Lanka.
A highlight of the evening was the panel discussion titled “Transforming Education to Bridge the Industry–Academia Gap”, moderated by ESOFT CEO and Director of ESOFT International (Singapore), Nishan Sembacuttiaratchy.
The panel featured Dr. Rajapakse; Dr. Dillina Herath, Dean of the School of Business at ESOFT Metro Campus; Pradeepa Seneviratna, Global Head of Software Engineering at Intrepid Travel; and Jiffry Zulfer, Founder and CEO of PickMe.
Each panelist brought a unique perspective—two representing education, and two representing industry. Together, they painted a vivid picture of the evolving needs of the job market and the role higher education must play in preparing students not only for employment but for leadership and innovation.
Pradeepa Seneviratna, an ESOFT alumna who has risen to lead global engineering at a multinational tech firm, credited ESOFT with laying the groundwork for her career.
“ESOFT didn’t just provide infrastructure—it created a culture,” she said. “Twenty years ago, it wasn’t common for a private institution to offer this kind of academic environment. But it gave me the foundation and the support system I needed to succeed in an emerging field.”
She encouraged students to embrace resilience and continuous learning. “It’s not always about being the smartest person in the room—it’s about being consistent, curious, and committed to your path.”
Representing the entrepreneurial voice, Jiffry Zulfer offered candid insights into the challenges of building a business—and finding the right talent.
“Are institutions doing enough? Not yet. There’s still a long way to go,” Zulfer noted. “But 25 years ago, ESOFT was one of the few places that gave people like me—who didn’t have top A/L results or money for foreign degrees—a real shot at building a future.”
He emphasized that today, tech literacy is no longer optional. “Whether you’re a doctor, architect, or artist—tech is the common language of all professions now.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Rajapakse highlighted ESU’s goal to break disciplinary silos and encourage cross-sector learning, particularly around emerging technologies like AI.
By Ifham Nizam
