Business
JAT Holding partners with NAITA to support and develop Sri Lankan woodcraft
In an effort to support wood craftsmanship in Sri Lanka, JAT Holdings PLC has launched the JAT “Pinthaaroo-Shilpee Abhiman” programme to provide training and apprenticeships to woodcraftsmen, thus encouraging a new generation to take up this important age-old craft. This initiative is an extension of the JAT Sayerlack Sathkaraya CSR programme and is being conducted in partnership with the National Apprentice Industrial Training Authority (NAITA), under the auspices of the Ministry of Skills Development, Vocational Education, Research & Innovation. Through this programme, aspiring woodcraftsmen can participate in and obtain an NVQ Level 3 Certification for Woodcraftsmen (Furniture Finisher) with all expenses borne by JAT Holdings PLC.
The partnership was officially entered into through the signing of a special MOU between JAT Holdings PLC and NAITA, at a ceremony held at the JAT Holdings Auditorium on the morning of the 10th of December 2021. A press conference was also held at the event, which was graced by top officials from JAT, NAITA and the Ministry, including the Minister for Skills Development, Vocational Education, Research & Innovation, the Dr. Seetha Arambepola, Founder and Managing Director of JAT Holdings – Aelian Gunawardene, Chairman of NAITA – Tharanga Nalin Gamlath and CEO and Executive Director of JAT Holdings, Mr. Nishal Ferdinando. Signifying the launch of the programme, 16 wood craftsmen were registered as part of the inaugural batch, at the event.
Announcing and discussing the programme, Mr. Wasantha Gunaratne – Director Sales & Technical – JAT Holdings PLC said, “At JAT, we are always keen to explore possibilities to support the nation and its growth through a skilled and competent youth and workforce. As a leader in wood coatings, we are aware of the fact that top class woodcraft is a dwindling skill. Thus, we want to work to save this skill from dying out and convince a new generation that this is a viable career and a robust source of income. Through the JAT Pinthaaroo-Shilpee Abhiman programme, we will assess and nominate uncertified but skilled woodcraftsmen who will then be able to obtain the NVQ Level 3 qualification in a shorter time than normal, as a result of our recommendation and assurance to NAITA. Ultimately, this will help uplift the quality of woodcraft in Sri Lanka, while also uplifting the craftsmen, uncovering new talent, and providing craftsmen with a qualification that is globally recognized. As a business that is close to our stakeholders, JAT’s existing loyalty members and craftsmen with whom we have long-term relationships will be given preference for entry to this programme.”
Dr. Sita Arambepola – Minister of State Ministry of Skills Development, Vocational Education, Research and Inventions commented, “It is of great importance that we focus on the development of local skills and talent, in order for the nation to progress as a whole. With the support of JAT Holdings PLC, we are hopeful that the Pinthaaroo-Shilpee Abhiman program will play an important role in helping many individuals build their craftsmanship and self-confidence, further establishing their place in society. Therefore, I would like to extend my gratitude to JAT Holdings PLC and NAITA, and wish them the best with this initiative.”
Chairman of NAITA, Mr. Tharanga Gamlath also commented on the initiative saying, “We have very talented people in this country who can go very far if equipped with the right skills and given the right training. Thus, we are pleased to partner with JAT Holdings in this matter, to encourage and support our local craftsmen.”
For more information about the programme, any interested party can call JAT Holdings PLC’s Loyalty Hotline on 011 752 4150. While JAT Loyalty Members will receive preference, the programme is open to all. More information can also be obtained via the NAITA website.
Since its founding in 1993, JAT Holdings has established itself as a market leader in Sri Lanka for wood coatings and as one of the country’s most promising conglomerates. This is further attested to by accolades such as being ranked amongst Sri Lanka’s Top 100 Most Respected Companies by LMD for 4 years consecutively and also ranking among the Top 20 Conglomerate Brands by Brand Finance. Up until its recent IPO earlier this year, JAT Holdings was also the only privately held company in Sri Lanka to receive Moody’s coveted ICRA “A+ Stable” rating for 5 years, consecutively.
Business
Export of scrap metal required for domestic industry to be banned
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution furnished by the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development to impose the necessary legal provisions to prevent the export of scrap metal in a manner detrimental to domestic industries.
Business
SriLankan Airlines records revenue increase with AI and ML-powered Revenue Management System
SriLankan Airlines has recorded a revenue increase following the implementation of a next-generation, AI and Machine-Learning (ML) powered Origin and Destination (O&D) revenue management platform. The system enables dynamic pricing and smarter inventory optimisation, while delivering a superior passenger experience across all sales channels through real-time seat availability and predictive analytics.
Kshanaka Saparamadu, Head of Revenue Management at SriLankan Airlines, remarked, “Embracing the latest revenue management technology is a testament to our commitment to continuous innovation and digital transformation. With the introduction of PROS Revenue Management Advantage and Amadeus Revenue Availability and Active Valuation, we are not only refining our current processes but also positioning ourselves for long-term success in modern airline retailing, ensuring we stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry.”
Chamara Perera, Group Head of IT at SriLankan Airlines, added, “This transition to a dynamic, integrated revenue management system reflects our strategic focus on remaining agile in an increasingly competitive and fast-evolving airline industry. As the aviation sector undergoes rapid digital transformation, SriLankan Airlines is enhancing its ability to respond swiftly to market fluctuations and meet the evolving demands of today’s travelers.”
Powered by PROS’ AI-driven Revenue Management Advantage (RMA) and Amadeus Revenue Availability and Active Valuation (RAAV), the platform leverages AI algorithms and ML models to improve alignment of capacity and demand, optimise premium seat allocation and respond swiftly to market shifts. These capabilities deliver unmatched agility and scalability, boost yield and position SriLankan Airlines at the forefront of digital transformation in aviation.
Industry benchmarks show that O&D-based revenue optimisation models typically deliver a 3%-5% increase in passenger revenue, underscoring the new revenue management system as a key driver, among other strategic factors, to the 13% growth recorded by SriLankan Airlines during the first three quarters of the 2025-2026 financial year.
This initiative has not only enhanced SriLankan Airlines’ agility, scalability, and competitiveness in a dynamic global aviation market, but also strengthened collaboration between pricing, demand and flight analyst teams, earning two awards in the process. It was recognised with the Growth Catalyst Award at the Outperformer Customer Awards 2025 in Las Vegas by PROS, as well as the Silver Award in the AI and Data Science category at the National Project Management Excellence Awards 2025 in Colombo by the Project Management Institute Sri Lanka Chapter.
As SriLankan Airlines continues its modernisation journey, the new integrated revenue management platform will significantly improve SriLankan Airlines’ global market position, its ability to attract and retain high value connecting passengers, and competitiveness in the global aviation landscape.(SriLankan Airlines)
Business
CCC delegation completes prestigious International Trade Facilitation Programme
A delegation of 30 professionals from the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce recently completed a specialised residential training programme on International Trade Facilitation at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) in New Delhi.
Hosted by the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, a premier institution established under India’s Ministry of Commerce and widely regarded as a leading centre of excellence in international trade education and research, the programme also included engagements with several of India’s most prominent trade and diplomacy institutions. These included the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the government authority responsible for shaping and implementing India’s foreign trade policy; the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service, the country’s premier training institution for diplomats; the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), the apex body representing India’s exporting community; and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), one of India’s most influential industry associations. Together, these engagements offered participants valuable insights into how policy, diplomacy, and industry interact in a robust manner to facilitate trade and economic progress.
Over nine days, participants explored key aspects of global commerce, including the international trading system, trade negotiations, economic intelligence, trade finance, and emerging issues such as AI, cyber risk, and digital transformation.
The programme offered valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of international trade and the systems that support it, while highlighting ways in which chambers of commerce can further leverage their existing role in supporting businesses navigate global markets, contributing to policy discussions, and strengthen the broader trade ecosystem.
The programme was designed and overseen by Dr. Rohit Mehtani, Dean at IIFT and a widely respected expert in international trade diplomacy and negotiations, whose academic work and advisory experience have contributed to international trade discourse.
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