Business
Stigmata’s ‘Summer Storm’, a head-banging success at Taphouse by RNR
Sri Lankan heavy metal pioneers Stigmata kicked off the ‘summer’ season with a high-octane performance together with fellow metal bands Encender and Trishira at ‘Summer Storm’ held at the Taphouse by RnR, Colombo recently.
While filling the Taphouse is no easy task, Summer Storm was fully packed with a diverse audience from different ages, ethnicities and backgrounds brought together by their love for metal music. Once again, Stigmata delivered a mind-blowing performance and included several iconic tracks from all their previous albums, Hollow Dreams, Silent Chaos, Serpentine, Psalms of Conscious Martyrdom, The Ascetic Paradox. The band also thrilled the audience with a taste of new music from their fifth album which is due to be released later this year. The brand new mystical emotive single ‘The Absurd’ was a highlight.
Stigmata stated, “Although Sri Lanka does not have the traditional four seasons found in Western countries, the June to August period is considered “summer” when a certain segment of tourists, including Sri Lankans abroad, visit the country during their summer holidays. During this period the country also gets plenty of ‘storms’ due to the monsoon rains that arrive in May and continue for a few weeks.
Therefore, we felt ‘Summer Storm’ perfectly captured what the event is about especially since the music was like a storm of some of the best metal music one can hear in the country.”
As a pioneering band in Sri Lanka, Stigmata makes a conscious effort to share the stage with both upcoming and established bands so that they are given the ideal platform to showcase their musical prowess to a large audience. The band is constantly looking to diversify their musical offering, and featuring diverse talent ensures each event is unique, and every band’s unique music reaches a wider audience in Sri Lanka. This time Stigmata teamed up with the awesome metal bands Encender and
Trishira, two bands that delivered two different styles with a loyal fan base that was in full force at the event. By playing with different bands, Stigmata is looking to nurture a sense of love and respect among all local metal bands and build on this to deliver an unforgettable experience for all fans at every event.
Stigmata delivered an entertaining set made more impactful having Dineli Philips join the band on ‘Voices’ and Eshantha Perera lending his vocal talents to a smashing cover of System of a Down’s ‘BYOB’. For the show closer Stigmata invited all the frontmen/women present at the event to join on the band’s anthem ‘Jazz Theory’.
Stigmata is the country’s first original heavy metal band formed nearly a quarter century ago. Over the years, the band has constantly evolved and demonstrated longevity unlike any other band in its genre purely by producing and delivering amazing music, powerful lyrics and outstanding live stage performances. Stigmata has proudly taken Sri Lanka to the world and made its mark in several countries including Australia, Malaysia, Dubai, New Zealand, India, Bangladesh, the Maldives and many more.
Business
Cabinet approves submission of the Annual Economic Analysis of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka for the year 2024 to the Parliament
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal forwarded by the President in his office as the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to submit the Report on the Annual Economic Analysis of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka for the year 2024 to the Parliament.
As per section 80 (3) of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act No. 16 of 2023, the Minister in – charge of the subject of Finance shall submit a report on the economic situation which prevailed within the particular financial year, within four months after completion of each financial year. Accordingly, the report in relation to the financial review of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka for the year 2024 has been submitted to the President. The report has envisaged macro economic trends of Sri Lanka, situation of the financial system, as well as the major developments and a review of the policies of Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
[DGI]
Gigalingua Lanka, a premier German language institute, officially launched in Colombo with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by distinguished guests, including Dr. Felix Neumann, German ambassador to Sri Lanka. This marks a significant milestone for Sri Lankan professionals, especially nurses, looking to expand their careers in Germany’s thriving healthcare sector.
In collaboration with its strategic partner Global Care Solutions (Pvt) Ltd – a renowned company in the foreign recruitment industry – Gigalingua Lanka offers a unique pathway for Sri Lankan nurses and apprentices to master the German language and pursue rewarding career opportunities in Germany.
Dr. Felix Neumann, the Chief Guest at the event, expressed his support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of language education as a bridge to global career prospects. In his speech, Dr. Neumann noted, “German language is not only a means of communication, it is a gateway to global career opportunities.” He commended Gigalingua Lanka for providing valuable opportunities for Sri Lankans and addressing the critical demand for skilled workers, especially in the nursing sector in Germany.
Gigalingua Lanka is the first private institute in Sri Lanka to offer comprehensive German language training up to the B2 level, and conduct TELC exam. The institution also provides language training for apprentices, allowing them to undertake the Apprenticeship Program and contribute to the growing labor market in Germany. The collaboration between Gigalingua Lanka and Global Care Solutions is designed to meet Germany’s growing need for skilled workers, particularly in the healthcare sector.
The event was attended by a number of prominent figures, including Dr. Felix Neumann , Arthur Senanayake (chairman of IWS Holdings), Eran Wickramaratne – former MP, Chandra Schaffter – ( Founder of Janashakthi Insurance ), Dhammika Attygalle (Director Upali Group of Companies and President Automobile Association of Ceylon) Former Wing Commander Buwaneka Abeysuriya (Ex- chairman Janatha Estates Development Board).
Chairman of Global Care Solutions, Thomas Michael Kriwat, who is also chairman of the Mercmarine Group of Companies in Germany, highlighted the significance of the new training center. He said, “We are bringing world-class German occupational language training to Colombo, offering a structured, career-focused pathway for Sri Lankan professionals. By introducing TELC (The European Language Certificates) as an officially certified German language test authority, we are increasing accessibility for students seeking internationally recognized qualifications.”
At the thanksgiving speech, Dr. Rajan Sara, Managing Director of Global Care Solutions and Director of Gigalingua Lanka, outlined the critical need for foreign nurses in Germany. “Germany is facing a significant shortage of nurses, estimated to need an additional 150,000 by 2025. This is exacerbated by an aging population and increasing healthcare demands. Over 47,000 vacancies in the healthcare sector remain unfilled, making it an ideal time for Sri Lankan nurses to seize this opportunity,” Dr. Sara explained. (Gigalingua Lanka)
In keeping with its vision to consistently evolve and address accelerated business growth needs, Brown & Company PLC recently unveiled its new state-of-the-art manufacturing and warehouse facility in Katunayake. Strategically located within minutes of the Bandaranaike International Airport and the nation’s rapidly evolving highway network, the space is positioned to significantly enhance Browns’ logistical capabilities. The hub will enable seamless access to key markets across the island, further solidifying the Company’s principal role in a cross-section of industries.
The inaugural event of the Browns Group Industrial Park was attended by Ishara Nanayakkara, Chairman, Brown & Company PLC and Deputy Chairman, LOLC Holdings PLC and Kapila Jayawardene, Group Managing Director/CEO, LOLC Holdings PLC along with key officials from the Browns and LOLC Group.
Submission of gazette notifications for the concurrence of the Parliament.
Cabinet approval to prepare new Act for securing the rights of plant species
National minimum monthly salary for private sector employees raised to Rs. 27,000/-, minimum daily wage to Rs. 1080/-
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