JAT Pintharu Abhiman continues to reshape Sri Lanka’s painter ecosystem as JAT Holdings PLC concluded the third edition of its nationwide workshop series, reinforcing a long-term commitment to professional development, technical excellence, and sustainable livelihoods across the country.
JAT Pintharu Abhiman strengthens Sri Lanka’s painter community
JAT Pintharu Abhiman has further expanded its national footprint with the successful completion of the third edition of its flagship painter development initiative, culminating in the eighth and final workshop held in Colombo. Led by JAT Holdings PLC, the programme underscores a sustained effort to professionalise and empower Sri Lanka’s painter community through structured training, industry exposure, and skills advancement.
During the latest edition, more than 3,400 painters registered across eight key regions, including Matara, Kegalle, Dambulla, Badulla, Puttalam, Ampara, Jaffna and Colombo. This broad regional reach reflects JAT’s intention to ensure equitable access to professional development opportunities, extending beyond urban centres to strengthen skills at a grassroots level.
The workshops combined technical instruction with hands-on product demonstrations and knowledge-sharing modules tailored to evolving industry demands. Participants were exposed to modern coating systems, surface preparation techniques, and application standards aligned with international best practices. These sessions were designed not only to enhance craftsmanship but also to improve safety, efficiency, and long-term career sustainability within the trade.
A distinctive feature of this year’s programme was the introduction of a dedicated Professional Painter Development session. This component focused on elevating participants’ professional conduct, customer engagement, and industry readiness, recognising that technical expertise must be complemented by discipline and business awareness. By addressing these areas, the initiative aims to support painters in transitioning from informal labour to recognised professionals capable of building independent enterprises.
The third edition also continued the Best Wood Finisher competition, a platform that celebrates exceptional craftsmanship while encouraging continuous improvement. By recognising skill excellence, the competition fosters pride in workmanship and motivates painters to refine their techniques in line with rising market expectations.
The initiative is supported by the National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority, strengthening its credibility and alignment with national skills development frameworks. Amplified through the MTV/MBC Network, the programme has also gained broader public visibility, highlighting the critical role painters play in Sri Lanka’s construction and coatings sectors.
Commenting on the technical depth of the programme, Wasantha Gunaratne, Director – Sales and Technical for South Asia at JAT Holdings PLC, said the initiative has evolved into one of the most structured painter development platforms in the country. With 24 workshops completed to date, he noted that each phase is designed to strengthen technical mastery, industry discipline, and adaptability to new coating technologies. According to him, the programme’s long-term objective is to equip painters with the confidence and capability to become professionals who can eventually establish their own businesses in a changing market environment.
Gunaratne emphasised that as products, surfaces, and customer expectations continue to evolve, the painter community must stay ahead of industry trends. He added that the initiative provides a solid technical foundation that enables participants to meet these demands while maintaining quality and consistency.
Reflecting on the broader social impact, Dilshan Rodrigo, Director – Marketing of JAT Holdings PLC, said the initiative is designed to create meaningful growth pathways for painters, enabling them to improve their quality of life and economic stability. He highlighted that uplifting painters has a ripple effect on families and communities that depend on the industry, aligning the programme with national development and sustainability priorities.
Rodrigo noted the high level of dedication displayed by participants across all regions, describing their willingness to learn, adapt, and excel as a key driver of the programme’s success. By providing exposure to new technologies, techniques, and industry insights, he said the initiative honours the craft of painting while strengthening the foundation of Sri Lanka’s construction sector.
Since its inception, JAT Pintharu Abhiman has engaged thousands of painters nationwide, offering structured learning, certification opportunities, and access to expert technical guidance. The programme reflects JAT Holdings’ broader commitment to community upliftment, skills development, and raising professional standards across industries that directly shape the country’s built environment.
With the successful conclusion of its third edition, JAT Holdings PLC has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding JAT Pintharu Abhiman in the years ahead. The company aims to deepen its impact, reach more regions, and continue empowering Sri Lanka’s painter community through sustained investment in skills, professionalism, and industry readiness.