Stigmata joins Indian band UDX for Republic Day celebrations

It was a treat of Indo-Sri Lankan fusion when a leading Indian rock band UDX led by Inakhu Atoshe Ayeh took the BMICH stage, side by side with Sri Lankan heavy metal favourites, Stigmata led by Suresh De Silva for ‘Rhythm of Harmony’. The concert on January 24 was held to commemorate the 74th Republic Day of India celebrated on January 26, 2023 and among the audience was President Ranil Wickremesinghe along with other dignitaries.

The seven member UDX who were performing in Sri Lanka for the first time hail from North-Eastern Indian province of Nagaland, known for its musical talent. UDX are currently touring the island, performing in Jaffna, Kandy and Hambantota.

“It was truly an honour and a momentous privilege to be asked to represent Sri Lanka at India’s 74th Republican Day celebration at BMICH for such a large distinguished audience of dignitaries, delegates and diverse multi-national and multi-ethnic attendees,” said Stigmata’s lead Suresh de Silva, expressing his thanks to Professor Ankuran Datta, Director of ICCR Sri Lanka, and everyone at ICCR and Indian Commissioner, Gopal Bagla who organized the event.

Suresh added, “It proved that Rock and Heavy Metal music is a valued form of artistry that spearheads the performance arts landscape of both India and Sri Lanka, but also promulgates world class originality.

As Friedrich Nietzsche famously said, “And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.” Fortunately, no one thought we were insane, and from the colossal reactions everyone heard the music and appreciated it, he quipped.