Events General

JAT Launches 3rd Edition of “JAT Pintharu Abhiman” to Uplift and Recognise Sri Lanka’s Wood Finishing Professionals

JAT Holdings PLC is proud to announce the launch of the 3rd edition of its flagship painter empowerment initiative, JAT Pintharu Abhiman. Set to commence in the second week of August 2025, this year’s series of workshops will span eight cities over the course of three months, with an anticipated participation of over 800 professional painters from across the island.

Initiated by JAT Holdings as a dedicated national platform to educate, upskill, and empower painters, JAT Pintharu Abhiman enables access to practical training while also guiding participants on their journey toward industry-recognised professional qualifications.

Over the past two years alone, the initiative has conducted 16 workshops across the island, successfully training over 1,700 painters. Building on this success, the 2025 edition will continue the format of a theoretical knowledge-sharing session, followed by a hands-on practical module, culminating in a competition to crown the Best Wood Finisher in each region.

A cornerstone of JAT Pintharu Abhiman is JAT’s long-standing partnership with the National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA). Through this association, over 700 painters have already been supported to obtain their NVQ certifications, equipping them with formal recognition and opening up long-term career opportunities.

Feedback gathered from the recipients of the NVQ certifications underscores the programme’s tangible impact: 90% reported increased confidence in their skills, 61% experienced a rise in work opportunities, 51% were able to charge a premium for their services, and 1 in 5 of the certified painters successfully launched their own businesses. Building on this momentum, JAT is now proud to support painters in pursuing NVQ Level 4 certifications, expanding the horizons of professional growth even further. Each JAT Pintharu Abhiman workshop will also feature a special session by a NAITA representative, educating participants about the value and process of NVQ qualification pathways.

Amplifying the programme’s reach and visibility, MTV/MBC Network joins once again as the official media partner, helping bring this impactful initiative to a wider national audience.

Speaking on the launch, Dilshan Rodrigo, Director – Marketing, JAT Holdings PLC, said:

“JAT Pintharu Abhiman is more than just a training programme – it’s our way of honouring the contribution of painters to the industry while giving them the tools to thrive. With every workshop, we aim to build not just skills, but pride and aspiration among Sri Lanka’s painting community, uplifting them as professionals of their craft.”

As JAT Pintharu Abhiman enters its third year, it remains a key pillar of JAT’s commitment to building capacity, elevating industry standards, and honouring the craft and contribution of Sri Lanka’s painter community.

About JAT Holdings PLC

JAT Holdings PLC is the market leader in wood coatings and brushes in Sri Lanka, with a dominant presence in the paints and luxury home and office furnishings segments. The conglomerate operates two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, supported by an advanced Research and Development Centre in Sri Lanka, driving innovation and reinforcing its strong regional presence. Through its Alkyd Resin Plant in Bangladesh, and its Acrylic Binder Plant in Sri Lanka, JAT benefits from backward vertical integration and enhanced cost efficiencies. Recognised for its financial stability, JAT holds a National Long-Term Rating of ‘AA(lka)’ from Fitch Ratings, while also being consistently ranked among the Most Awarded Entities, Most Loved Brands, Most Respected Entities, and Top 100 Listed Companies by LMD, reflecting its industry-leading position. Furthermore, its certification as a Great Place to Work underscores JAT’s commitment to its employees, making it an employer of choice.