Colombo, Sri Lanka – In a significant boost to international career opportunities for Sri Lankan healthcare professionals, Gigalingua Lanka, a premier German language training institute, officially opened its doors in Colombo. The launch ceremony, held amidst much anticipation and celebration, was graced by the presence of Dr. Felix Neumann, the German Ambassador to Sri Lanka, as the Chief Guest.
The event marks a major turning point for Sri Lankan professionals—particularly in the nursing and healthcare sectors—aspiring to establish themselves in Germany’s growing labor market. With a focus on high-quality language training and career readiness, Gigalingua Lanka aims to be a springboard for Sri Lankans seeking to contribute to and benefit from Germany’s booming healthcare industry.
Strategic Partnership Driving Global Mobility
The institute was launched in strategic collaboration with Global Care Solutions (Pvt) Ltd, a well-established leader in foreign employment and recruitment. This partnership ensures that the language training is aligned with actual career pathways, offering a seamless transition from education to employment in Germany.
In his keynote address, Dr. Felix Neumann highlighted the power of language as a transformative tool. “The German language is not only a means of communication, it is a gateway to global career opportunities,” he stated. He lauded Gigalingua Lanka for addressing the urgent demand for skilled workers in Germany, particularly within the healthcare sector.
Bridging the Gap with World-Class Training
Gigalingua Lanka is the first private institute in Sri Lanka to offer comprehensive German language education up to B2 level—a critical proficiency benchmark for healthcare professionals intending to work in Germany. Furthermore, the institute is equipped to conduct the TELC (The European Language Certificates) exams, making it a one-stop destination for students aiming to earn internationally recognized qualifications.
In addition to training registered nurses, the institute also prepares apprentices who wish to participate in Germany’s dual vocational training (Ausbildung) programs, helping meet the ever-growing demands of Germany’s labor market while offering young Sri Lankans new avenues for economic and personal growth.
A Distinguished Gathering
The event saw participation from numerous high-profile individuals across various sectors, underscoring the importance and credibility of this new initiative. Attendees included:
Arthur Senanayake, Chairman of IWS Holdings
Eran Wickramaratne, Former Member of Parliament
Chandra Schaffter, Founder of Janashakthi Insurance
Dhammika Attygalle, Director of Upali Group of Companies and President of the Automobile Association of Ceylon
Buwaneka Abeysuriya, Former Wing Commander and Ex-Chairman of the Janatha Estates Development Board
Meeting Germany’s Urgent Demand for Nurses
Thomas Michael Kriwat, Chairman of Global Care Solutions and of Germany’s Mercmarine Group, emphasized the institution’s role in meeting Germany’s labor demand while empowering Sri Lankan professionals. “We are proud to bring world-class German occupational language training to Colombo,” he said. “By introducing the TELC exam as a standard, we provide access to global career credentials that will benefit countless Sri Lankan families.”
The need for foreign healthcare professionals in Germany is critical. In a compelling address, Dr. Rajan Sara, Managing Director of Global Care Solutions and Director of Gigalingua Lanka, presented sobering statistics: “Germany currently faces a shortage of over 150,000 nurses, with more than 47,000 vacancies in the healthcare sector going unfilled. This is driven by an aging population and increasing demand for healthcare services. Now is the time for Sri Lankan nurses to step forward and seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity.”
A Future-Focused Vision
With its launch, Gigalingua Lanka is poised to become a vital hub for Sri Lankans who aspire to access international career markets through structured language and skills development. The initiative represents more than just education—it represents a gateway to global mobility, economic upliftment, and personal empowerment.
