JAT Holdings PLC recently celebrated a significant achievement with the successful conclusion of the 6th JAT Pintharu Abhiman Convocation, where over 800 painters were recognized for earning their NVQ Level 3 qualification. This certification, which is internationally recognized, is delivered in partnership with the National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA).
The JAT Pintharu Abhiman initiative was established to enhance the skills and professional recognition of Sri Lanka’s painter community, while also boosting their earning potential. This year’s graduating cohort highlights the programme’s expanding influence and the substantial positive impacts it continues to bring to individuals, families, and communities.
In collaboration with NAITA, JAT has streamlined the certification process, reducing what traditionally took up to six months into an efficient, high-impact three-day assessment model. This approach allows painters to obtain their qualification without taking extended time away from work. Furthermore, JAT covers the entire certification cost, removing financial barriers and enabling broader access to formal recognition.
Research among NVQ-qualified participants indicates significant improvements in livelihoods, with 90 percent of participants reporting increased personal confidence and 76 percent noting an improvement in their overall standard of living. These findings underscore the long-term value of industry-aligned professional training.
This year’s convocation also marked a milestone with the recognition of four female painters who received their NVQ certifications. Their achievement represents an important step towards increasing female participation in a traditionally male-dominated field, reinforcing JAT Holdings’ commitment to fostering inclusive pathways for technical development and sustainable employment.
During the ceremony, Mr. Wasantha Gunaratne, Director Sales and Technical (South Asia) of JAT Holdings PLC, stated, “Pintharu Abhiman is fundamentally about development, giving painters the knowledge, structure, and recognition they need to advance in their careers. By equipping over 800 painters with an internationally recognized NVQ qualification, we are not only enhancing the technical standards of the industry but also creating real opportunities for entrepreneurship and financial independence. It is particularly encouraging to see that one in five certified painters have already started their own businesses. These outcomes are crucial as they demonstrate that when we invest in skills, we unlock opportunities. JAT remains committed to expanding these avenues so every painter has the chance to grow, lead, and build a sustainable future.”
The 6th JAT Pintharu Abhiman Convocation reaffirms JAT’s ongoing commitment to uplifting the painter community, enhancing industry standards, and supporting national skills development through accessible, professionally recognized qualifications.
