This initiative is being undertaken by JAT as part of its wider social development programmes, and efforts to give back to the community.
The partnership was formalised with the signing of an agreement, valid for 3 years, between the two institutions at a special ceremony recently.
Representing JAT Holdings PLC on the occasion were Nishal Ferdinando – CEO, and Dilshan Rodrigo – Director Marketing, while The Principal of the College Mr. Hashitha Kesara Weththamuni represented Prince of Wales College, Moratuwa.
Commenting on the partnership, Mr Ferdinando said,
“JAT Holdings PLC was founded on a sense of community.
Therefore, our communities are at the center of everything we do.
Moratuwa is a famous hub in Sri Lanka for exceptional woodcraftsmen and furniture manufacturers.
As a result, it is a key market for us, and also the home of Sri Lanka’s wood coating industry.
Therefore, this partnership with Prince of Wales College – one of the most prominent schools in the area – is an important step towards empowering youth in the community, many of whom are children of painters and woodcraftsmen.
It will also help to develop these two sports, which are well known for equipping youth with valuable life skills like teamwork, leadership, and good sportsmanship.
Thus, we are pleased to be able to give back to the community through this initiative.”
Mr Weththamuni added,
“We are honoured that such an esteemed company as JAT Holdings PLC – a leader in the community and a symbol of what is possible through Sri Lankan ingenuity – has decided to support the college cricket and rugger teams.
No doubt, this partnership will strengthen our teams and empower our youth with valuable life skills.
We take this opportunity to thank JAT Holdings PLC and look forward to a mutually rewarding partnership.”
JAT Holdings PLC is well known for its community and social development initiatives, which align with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including No Poverty (1), Quality Education (4), Decent Work and Economic Growth (8), and Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (9).
JAT Pintharoo Abhiman has seen over 300 painters graduate with internationally recognized NVQ Level 3 certification and has trained over 600 painters, empowering over 1,000 individuals, including female painters.
The long-term objectives of JAT’s social development programs include community upliftment and the promotion of financial stability through professional training and certification for those with exceptional talent.
Through its new partnership with Prince of Wales College, Moratuwa, our efforts are to help empower the youth through Sport, which can improve learning outcomes by fostering academic performance and achievement, leadership abilities, and concentration and focus capabilities.
We are supporting UN SDG Quality Education (4), by providing them with lifelong learning opportunities as we believe sport-based programs offer education opportunities and life skills to be used beyond school including the workplace.