Business
JAT Holdings and MTV Channel Private Limited join forces
JAT Holdings PLC, the market leader for wood coatings in Sri Lanka, is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with MTV Channel Private Limited, a leading broadcaster and media organization. This strategic collaboration, which is the first of its kind, will see JAT Holdings join forces with MTV Channel Private Limited as the media partner for the JAT Pintharoo Shilpee Abhiman programme, further expanding its scale, scope and coverage. Thus, the partnership marks a significant milestone in the history of JAT Holdings and the entire woodcraft industry in Sri Lanka.
The JAT Pintharoo Shilpee Abhiman programme, initiated in December 2021, has already witnessed over 250 painters successfully graduate with internationally-recognized NVQ Level certifications, provided by JAT. .Holdings in partnership with the National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA). This long-term initiative aims to uplift communities of woodcraftsmen and painters by providing recognition, financial stability and professional training to skilled individuals who demonstrate exceptional talent but lack formal certification. Now, with JAT Holdings PLC’s media partnership with the MTV Channel Private Limited, JAT Pintharoo Shilpee Abhiman is set to reach new heights and enable more woodcraftsmen and painters to participate and benefit.
The partnership was officially entered into at a special ceremony and press conference held to mark the occasion, on the 14th of July 2023, at MBC Network’s flagship Stein Studios. Senior representatives from both organizations were present at the event, including from JAT Holdings PLC, Nishal Ferdinando – CEO, Wasantha Gunaratne – Director Sales & Technical, and Dilshan Rodrigo, – Senior General Manager- Marketing, and from MTV Channel Private Limited, Chandana Sooriyabandara, CEO – Stein Studios and Roshan Watawala, Director – News 1st.
Mr. Nishal Ferdinando, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership and the programme saying, “This partnership with MTV Channel Private Limited is a game-changer for the Pintharoo Shilpee Abhiman programme. We are joining forces with a reputable and wide-reaching media organization that is renowned for continuously carrying out projects to build a better and sustainable society. They share our vision for a brighter and more inclusive future. Leveraging this partnership, we will work together to significantly increase the program’s awareness, reach, and coverage. This will create more opportunities for woodcraftsmen and painters to enrol and develop their skills. Personally, I am immensely pleased as this programme is close to my heart. I look forward to this partnership further revolutionizing the woodcraft industry in Sri Lanka, uplifting our communities, and providing a platform for talented individuals to thrive.”
The collaboration will connect JAT Pintharoo Shilpee Abhiman with the public in all three languages through various channels, including TV, radio and digital platforms. These include MBC’s TV channels, such as Sirasa TV, Shakthi TV, and TV1, and radio stations such as Sirasa FM, Shakthi FM, and Yes FM, as well as its digital platforms such as News 1st’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. MBC Network’s diverse audiences will be treated to engaging content including teasers, trailers, live updates, news segments and special programmes and documentaries, to be rolled out in three phases.
Phase 1 will feature a series of JAT certified painter testimonials in Sinhala and Tamil, highlighting the success stories of JAT Pintharoo Shilpee Abhiman graduates. This phase aims to inspire aspiring painters by sharing the achievements of the talented graduates. Phase 2 will include a series of painter workshops that will take place in eight different locations across the island. The primary objective of these workshops is to provide painters with the necessary technical knowledge and skills to enhance industry standards. By uplifting the skill set of painters, JAT aims to contribute to the growth and development of the industry as a whole. Phase 3 will introduce an exciting and innovative initiative, which will be a first of its kind in the industry. JAT Holdings and MTV//MBC Network are eager to share more details about this programme in the upcoming weeks as it unfolds.
Commenting on this historic partnership, Chandana Sooriyabandara, CEO – Stein Studios of MTV Channel Private Limited said, “It’s an honour to partner with such a visibly beneficial and uplifting social programme as JAT Pintharoo Shilpee Abhiman. Leveraging the extensive reach of our network, we aim to work together with JAT Holdings PLC to empower painters and woodcraftsmen across Sri Lanka, providing them with opportunities for growth, recognition and success. We’re confident that this initiative will help transform the woodcraft industry in the Island, and contribute to the development of certified, skilled professionals with bright prospects.”
As the partnership between JAT Holdings PLC and MTV Channel Private Limited unfolds over the next six to seven months, the JAT Pintharoo Shilpee Abhiman Programme will continue to shape the woodcraft industry in Sri Lanka. To learn more about JAT Pintharoo Shilpee Abhiman, interested parties can call 0777468295 or 0769984365.
Global oil prices have jumped above $100 (£75.11) a barrel for the first time since 2022 as the escalating US-Israeli war with Iran has fuelled fears of prolonged disruption to shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran on Sunday named Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his father Ali Khamenei as Supreme Leader, signalling that a week into the conflict hardliners remain in charge of the country.
The US and Israel launched fresh waves of airstrikes across Iran over the weekend, hitting multiple targets including oil depots.
Major disruption to energy supplies from the region threatens to push up prices for consumers and businesses around the world.
Early on Monday in Asia, Brent crude was around 15.5% higher at $107.16, while Nymex light sweet was up by more than 17% at $106.77.
Stock markets in the Asia-Pacific region fell sharply in early trading on Monday, with Japan’s Nikkei 225 index down by more than 5% and the ASX 200 in Australia more than 3.5% lower.
Many in the markets predicted that oil would hit the $100 a barrel mark this week.
In the event it took about a minute to jump 10%, and then another 15 minutes to rise a further 10% in early Asian trading.
Last week the markets had been relatively relaxed about the seeming nightmare scenario for millions of barrels of crude and liquefied natural gas trapped in the Gulf, unable or unwilling to transit the Strait of Hormuz.
But the escalations over the weekend, alongside scenes of destruction of energy infrastructure both in Iran and across the Gulf, saw the markets take rapid fright.
The question now is where does this go? Some analysts argue that if the shutdown in the strait lasts until the end of March, we could see record oil prices above $150 a barrel.
The existing rise is likely to further increase petrol prices, and those of important derivative products such as jet fuel and vital precursors for fertilisers.
The physical supplies from the Gulf are mainly consumed in Asia.
Already however there are signs that Asian consumers are bidding up prices for US gas, with some tankers originally heading for Europe turning around in the mid-Atlantic.
US President Donald Trump responded to the jump in prices by saying that short term rises were a “small price to pay” for removing Iran’s nuclear threat.
His energy secretary told US broadcasters on Sunday that Israel, not the US, was targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure, amid some concern about rising domestic pump prices caused by the war.
(BBC)
The Ceylon Motor Traders’ Association (CMTA) has issued a stark cautionary note to prospective vehicle buyers, warning that the initial price advantage of reconditioned imports often masks significant long-term financial risks.
By highlighting a “structural imbalance” in the current duty valuation system – which allows near-identical vehicles to be imported under a 15% automatic depreciation bracket – the CMTA argues that the lack of manufacturer-backed warranties and tropicalised specifications in the grey market could lead to a “reconditioned trap” for unsuspecting consumers. For the savvy buyer, the association suggests that the true cost of ownership is increasingly tilting the scales in favour of brand-new vehicles from authorised agents.
If two identical 2026 models are sitting on different lots, and one is significantly cheaper because it was technically “registered and de-registered” abroad, the frugal buyer’s instinct is to take the discount. But the CMTA argues that this 15% depreciation benefit – intended for genuine used cars – is being leveraged as a loophole for zero-mileage vehicles.
For the savvy buyer, this raises a fundamental question of transparency. If the entry price of a vehicle is built on a “procedural” technicality rather than actual wear and tear, where else is the transparency lacking? Does the lower price reflect a genuine saving passed to the consumer, or does it mask a lack of manufacturer-backed after-sales support?
When a buyer chooses an authorised agent, they are essentially purchasing an insurance policy against the unknown. With a five-year manufacturer warranty, the financial burden of a faulty transmission or a software glitch stays with the global giant that built the car, not the local owner. In an era where vehicles are increasingly “computers on wheels,” the technical specialised tools and genuine parts held by authorised agents are no longer a luxury – they are a necessity for longevity.
The CMTA’s perspective also invites the buyer to look at the “Big Picture.” Every time a vehicle is imported under an under-declared value or an artificial depreciation bracket, it isn’t just a loss for the Treasury; it is a blow to the country’s foreign exchange discipline.
“A savvy buyer today is more informed than ever. They realize that a “cheap” import with no service history and no tropicalised specifications may eventually become a “minus” on the balance sheet. Frequent repairs and lower resale value can quickly evaporate the initial few lakhs saved at the point of purchase. Ultimately, the choice between brand new and used is a choice between certainty and speculation,” the Association says.
The CMTA is advocating for a level playing field where duty is based on true transaction value. Until that day comes, the burden of due diligence rests on the consumer. To be a “savvy buyer” in 2026 means looking past the showroom shine and asking: Who stands behind this car if something goes wrong tomorrow?
In conclusion, CMTA says,” For those seeking long-term peace of mind, the “brand new” path – supported by a transparent duty structure and a solid warranty – remains the gold standard for steering Sri Lanka’s complex automotive landscape.”
Before signing the papers on a reconditioned vehicle, the CMTA suggests buyers evaluate the four “minus” factors against a “brand new” purchase:
By Sanath Nanayakkare
Spa Ceylon has unveiled ‘Her Business Matters’, a nationwide initiative running throughout March 2026 to provide growth support for women-led businesses in Sri Lanka.
The program will select five women entrepreneurs weekly for brand amplification through Spa Ceylon’s marketing reach, influencer partnerships, and community network. Eligible applicants must be female founders manufacturing or producing locally.
Selected participants will attend a development workshop in Colombo featuring business leaders and industry experts covering social media strategy, advertising, compliance, brand positioning, and scaling. Spa Ceylon resource personnel will also host category-specific fringe events.
Co-Founder & Group Director Shalin Balasuriya stated the initiative moves “beyond surface-level marketing” to create lasting community impact, inspired by the brothers’ upbringing with an entrepreneurial mother.
Applications are accepted via Spa Ceylon’s social media platforms throughout this month.
Iran names Khamenei’s son as new supreme leader after father’s killing
Oil prices jump above $100 for first time in four years
Dry weather will prevail over the island
FSP warns of possible coal shortage
Repatriation of Iranian naval personnel Sri Lanka’s call: Washington
Indian Ocean must remain peace zone: Sajith
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