700 ESOFT graduates celebrated at London Metropolitan University graduation

Celebrating the accomplishments of over 700 students, ESOFT’s Schools of Computing and Business marked the successful culmination of their London Metropolitan University undergraduate programs at a glittering graduation ceremony on 4 September. The event, which took place at the Main Hall of the BMICH, was attended by nearly 2,500 participants.

Student achievements were recognised across a range of degree programs conducted at the ESOFT School of Computing including B.Eng. (Hons) in Software Engineering, B.Eng. (Hons) in Computer Networking, B.Sc. (Hons) in Computing and B.Eng. (Hons) in Electronic and Communications Engineering. Recognition was also bestowed upon students of the ESOFT School of Business for academic achievements in its B.A. (Hons) Business Administration, B.A. (Hons) in Hospitality Management, B.A. (Hons) in Travel and Tourism Management, Pearson Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma and M.B.A.

ESOFT is Sri Lanka’s largest private higher education network. Comprising 40 centres island-wide, it creates opportunities for over 30,000 students annually. Over its 18-year tenure, it has earned a reputation for high quality and affordable academic programs ranging from certificate to postgraduate level, and encompasses a variety of disciplines, including computing, business, hospitality, engineering, language training, and personal and professional development.

Speaking at the first session of the ceremony, which saw the graduation of the computing students, School of Computing Dean Dr. Ruvan Abeysekara said: “Our purpose at the ESOFT School of Computing is to produce the highest calibre of technology graduates; individuals who will move on to change the way technology is seen and utilised across the globe. We would like to congratulate our batch of graduates and wish them the best that life has to offer as they embark on their careers from this point forward.”

The most outstanding performers received special plaques. This included Indunil Gunarathna, Mohomed Amanullah Mohomed Rikaz, Lekamwasam Dambure Liyanage Nisanka Mandara, Mohomed Refaideen Mohomed Rimzan and Bandara Caluthanthrige Don Shalindri Umanga Jayaweera from the computing stream. The most outstanding performers of the School of Business were Mohammed Salman Khan, Kosalee Thameera Galkaduwa, Gnei Sumaiya Umar, Kenath Abhaya Wickramasinghe, Navamali De Silva, Dilini Kaushalya Medagedara, Pavithra Rangali De Alwis and Minura Kasun Kaluarachchi.

A further five high achiever medals were awarded to Korale Gamaralalage Roshelle Sara Hemachandra, Hansika Samanmalee Ekanayaka, Richard Jason Simmons, Binura De Zoyza, Madushani De Silva and Deshan Madhawa Balasuriya who topped their respective batches in the School of Computing. 

The Keynote Speaker at the second session was Maliban Group of Companies CEO Ravi Jayawardene, who advised the ESOFT students on the importance of complementing their academic qualifications with the soft skills necessary to advance in the professional world.

“This is one of the most significant moments of your life. Today, when you leave these premises, you go out into the world as a qualified individual with immense potential. However, as accomplished as you are academically, in today’s fast-moving world, there are other areas that you need to master in order to succeed. These are, of course, the all-important soft skills. Soft skills are qualities such as empathy, time management, creativity, communication and other similar attributes that can turn you into a well-rounded human being: the icing on the cake. I know ESOFT has already inculcated these skills in you to a great extent. I urge you to make it a point to further develop these skills as you step into the wider world of employment,” he said.

Other special invitees at the graduation ceremony included School of Computing and Digital Media Head of Academic Partnerships Dr. Vincent Hargy, Guildhall School of Business and Law Head of Academic Partnerships Dr. Wendy Bloisi, Business Courses Academic Liaison Tutor Paul Bullock, IT Courses Academic Liaison Tutor Prof. Bal Virdee, and Guildhall School of Business and Law M.B.A. Course Leader and Academic Liaison Tutor Dr. Hazel Messenger, who graced the occasion from London Metropolitan University.

ESOFT Group of Companies Managing Director Dr. Dayan Rajapakse was also present at the event along with other notable dignitaries from the ESOFT Metro Campus, which included CEO Nishan Sembacuttiaratchy, School of Computing Dean Dr. Ruvan Abeysekara, School of Business Dean Dr. Dillina Herath, COO – Central, North and East Regions Shamri Ahafurdeen, and COO – Colombo Dilan Savio Perera.

The awards ceremony was followed by a graduation ball at the Sapphire banquet hall featuring the fabulous Gypsies led by Sunil Perera.