NAITA Chairman explores strategic collaboration with MEGAKEM Waterproofing Training Center

The Chairman of the National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA), Mr. Abdul Saththar, together with Dr. Krishantha Pathiraja – Director, Mr. Sujeewa Wichramasinghe – Assistant Director Examinations, Mr. Asitha Ratnayake – Assistant Director Training and Mr. Malith Sandaruwan – Examinor, paid an official visit to the newly established Training Center of MEGAKEM, a subsidiary of the Wardena Group. The visit reaffirmed a shared commitment to elevating vocational training and industry standards in Sri Lanka’s construction sector, with a particular focus on the rapidly growing waterproofing industry. During the visit, Mr. Saththar and his delegation engaged in in-depth discussions with the MEGAKEM management team, led by Chairman Mr. Ashoka Siriwardena. The dialogue centered on establishing a structured public–private partnership to transform unqualified waterproofing applicators into certified technicians through NAITA-accredited programs and a training center.

This collaboration is poised to play a pivotal role in professionalizing the waterproofing segment, a vital area within the construction chemicals sector. By combining vocational training with industry-driven practices, the initiative aims to strengthen workforce capabilities, enhance technical quality, and uphold higher standards of safety and durability across the waterproofing industry. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Siriwardena reaffirmed MEGAKEM’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s national skill development agenda. Mr. Saththar, in turn, commended the initiative as a timely and much-needed intervention to bridge the skills gap in a critical industry segment. The visit marks a significant milestone towards building a long-term partnership between NAITA and MEGAKEM, aligning institutional expertise with private sector innovation to drive sustainable growth and competitiveness in the Sri Lankan construction industry.

CAPTION

Starting from left - Dinesh Jayasundera (Cluster Executive Director - Megakem), Ashoka Siriwardena (Group Chairman - Megakem), Mr. Abdul Saththar (Chairman - NAITA), Manjula Kalubowila (Director Strategic Partnership & Growth - Megakem), Dr. Krishantha Pathiraja (Chairman and Board Director at Palmyrah Development Board), Sujeewa Wichramasinghe (Assistant Director Evaluation - NAITA), Asitha Rathnayake (Assistant Director Training - NAITA), A. A. I. P. Wickramasinghe (Training Officer - NAITA), Malith Sandaruwan (Inspector - NAITA)