JAT Pintharoo Abhiman Wins Best Project Sustainability Award 2023

JAT Pintharoo Abhiman, a wood craftsman and painter training program by JAT, the market leader for wood coatings and paint brushes in Sri Lanka, was awarded the prestigious Best Project Sustainability Award 2023 at the Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Award 2023 organised by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. The program stood out amongst 61 entries for its impactful contribution towards empowering livelihoods and driving sustainability in Sri Lanka’s wood coating industry.

Through technical training and internationally recognized NVQ qualifications from the National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA), JAT Pintharoo Abhiman equips painters with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in their trade. Since launching in December 2021, the program directly contributes to achieving multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including promoting livelihood development (SDG 1: No Poverty), enhancing job prospects and economic growth (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth), promoting Gender Equality (SDG 5), and fostering industry sustainability (SDG 9). Over 350 individuals have already benefited from the program, gaining valuable skills and qualifications, while over 3,500 have participated in the training programs conducted islandwide.

“We are honoured to be recognized for our efforts to build sustainability within Sri Lanka’s wood coating sector,” said Nishal Ferdinando, Chief Executive Officer – JAT Holdings PLC. “This award is a testament to the tremendous impact JAT Pintharoo Abhiman is creating, from empowering marginalized communities to pioneering female participation in a traditionally male-dominated industry. The program takes a holistic approach by addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by painters. Participants gain not only internationally recognized qualifications but also access to advanced wood coating techniques, opening doors to better job opportunities and higher income potential. The program integrates JAT’s loyalty program, offering participants financial stability through savings opportunities and facilitating access to bank loans for business development”. 

JAT Pintharoo Abhiman’s success is built on a strong foundation of collaboration. The program brings together various stakeholders to create a supportive ecosystem. Painters benefit from the expertise of JAT Holdings, government institutions like NAITA, media partners like the MBC/MTV network, financial institutions like banks, and end-customers who experience the improved workmanship and professionalism fostered by the program. Over the last three decades, JAT has played a key role in transitioning Sri Lanka’s wood coatings market to a more sustainable, water-based approach, making it Sayerlack’s largest wood coatings market outside Italy.

With groundbreaking achievements across environmental, social, and economic aspects of sustainability, JAT Pintharoo Abhiman sets a shining example for empowering local communities while driving positive change. Its recognition at the Best Project Sustainability Awards 2023 demonstrates the transformative power of investing in people for an inclusive, prosperous future.

About the Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Awards

The annual Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability (BCCS) Awards, organized by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, recognize companies that excel in corporate citizenship whilst actively integrating sustainable practices into their core operations, underscoring the corporate’s genuine desire within the Sri Lankan business community to contribute positively to the world through a wide range of initiatives.

About JAT Holdings

JAT Holdings PLC is the market leader in wood coatings and paint brushes in Sri Lanka, with a dominant presence in the paints, and luxury home and office furnishing sectors. With two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, located in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, supported by an advanced Research and Development Centre in Sri Lanka, JAT Holdings continues to fuel innovation, solidifying its position as a key player and emerging conglomerate in the region. Recognized for its financial stability, even in times of adversity, JAT Holdings PLC has been awarded a National Long-Term Rating of ‘AA (lka)’ by Fitch Ratings, whilst also being prestigiously ranked as the No. 1 Most Awarded Entity in the Diversified Sector by LMD. JAT Holdings’ commitment to its employees and workplace excellence has also been recognized through its certification as a Great Place to Work, making it an employer of choice.