ESOFT UNI (ESU) marked a major milestone in its national expansion with the inauguration of ESU Jaffna reinforcing ESOFT UNI’s long-standing commitment to advancing higher education in the Northern Province, where it has been a pioneer for more than 15 years. Established in 2009 on Navalar Road, Jaffna, ESOFT Metro Campus Jaffna has supported thousands of students through Diploma and Higher National Diploma (HND) pathways in providing more accessibility for education in the region.

Today, as it transitions into ESOFT UNI, the Jaffna campus expands its academic portfolio across Information Technology, Business Management, Engineering, Hospitality Management, and Languages, supported by modern labs, internationally aligned curricula, and strong global affiliations. As Sri Lanka’s only Pearson Platinum Partner, ESOFT UNI, in collaboration with London Metropolitan University and Kingston University, allows students in the Northern Province to pursue internationally recognised degrees without having to leave their region.

Commenting on the launch, Dr. Dayan Rajapakse, Chairman and Group Managing Director of ESOFT Metro Campus and ESU, stated, “When I first started ESOFT Metro Campus in Jaffna over 15 years ago, I saw both the incredible potential of our youth and the heavy burden on parents who had to send their children away for advanced higher education. I believe that with ESU Jaffna, students will have the opportunity to pursue globally recognised, industry-relevant programmes close to home, without needing to relocate for such opportunities.

What we’ve witnessed in Jaffna over the years is clear, when barriers are removed, our children thrive.” Building on Dr. Dayan’s remarks, Prof. S. Mohanathas, Pro Vice Chancellor, ESOFT UNI – Jaffna, stated, “The new ESOFT UNI Jaffna campus marks an important milestone, providing students in the Northern Province with access to high-quality higher education in modern, fully equipped facilities. I believe that ESOFT UNI Jaffna opens a new educational journey that will equip future generations with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities they need to thrive.” Combining its expanded infrastructure and upgraded academic model, ESOFT UNI Jaffna stands poised to become one of the most comprehensive private highereducation hubs in the Northern Province.

Alongside its Colombo and Kandy campuses, ESOFT UNI continues its mission to make accessible, globally competitive higher education available to students across the country. Unveiling ESU Jaffna, featuring modern lecture halls, collaborative learning spaces and state-of-the-art laboratories. In an inspiring expression of youthful talent, empathy, and social commitment, 16-year-old Bio Science student and poet Kumalja Kuruppu of Lyceum International School, Nugegoda, unveiled her maiden poetry collection The Dark Mirror at a ceremony held at the prestigious Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), Colombo.

The book is published by Sarasavi Publishers (Pvt) Ltd, the publishing arm of Sarasavi Bookshop (Pvt) Ltd , one of Sri Lanka’s foremost publishing and bookselling institutions. The event drew a distinguished gathering, including Dr. Mohan Lal Grero, Founding Principal of Lyceum International Schools, and Dr. Mrs. Kumari Grero, Coordinating Principal of Lyceum International School, Nugegoda. Veteran creative personality Mr. Dileepa Abeysekera delivered the keynote address, while Ms. Samudra De Zoyza presented the author’s profile to the audience.

The audience comprised individuals who have played meaningful roles in Kumalja’s life , from her first teachers, doctors, and close friends to relatives and many others who have blessed her journey with love, support, and encouragement. In a heartfelt gesture of solidarity, Kumalja announced that the full proceeds from sales of The Dark Mirror will be donated to help children affected by the recent floods. The contribution will be channelled through the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA), where she serves as a student ambassador representing Lyceum International School, Nugegoda. Sarasavi Publishers has also extended their support by pledging their entire share of book-sale proceeds toward this relief initiative.

This donation aims to help flood-affected children replace essential school books and learning materials destroyed in the disaster. The funds will directly aid the restoration of their educational resources, easing one of the significant challenges faced by affected families. The Dark Mirror is a contemplative collection of poems in which Kumalja explores life’s deeper truths with striking philosophical insight and emotional depth. The poems touch on themes such as identity, struggle, resilience, hope, and the human condition , combining youthful sensitivity with a surprising degree of maturity.

Outside her literary work, Kumalja is actively engaged in multiple extracurricular pursuits. She serves as a senior prefect at her school, is an award-winning poet at both school and national levels, and is recognised as one of Sri Lanka’s youngest female professional magicians, having already earned an international award. Her multifaceted accomplishments, combined with her compassion-driven initiative, position The Dark Mirror as both a literary achievement and a meaningful contribution to community welfare. This book launch , bringing together literature, youth accomplishment, and social service , is a testament to how young Sri Lankans are using creativity and empathy to uplift others and give back to society. Sixteen-year-old poet Kumalja Kuruppu launched her debut poetry collection “ The Dark Mirror”at the BMICH,