SLAP and NAITA to strengthen skilled manpower for printing industry

Thursday, 22 January 2026 03:27 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

SLAP President Eng. Janaka Rathnakumara (third from right) and NAITA Chairman Abdul Saththar (third from left) along with other officials of the respective organisations

A significant step toward strengthening Sri Lanka’s printing industry workforce was taken recently with a collaborative discussion between the National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA) and the Sri Lanka Association of Printers (SLAP). The meeting focused on developing future-ready, industry-oriented training programs to meet the evolving skill requirements of the printing sector.

The discussion was attended by NAITA Chairman Abdul Saththar, Director General Dr. W. M. S. Wijesinghe, Director (Planning) C. P. Subasinghe, and Assistant Director (Marketing and Career Guidance) Priyanthe Fernando. The SLAP was represented by its President Eng. Janaka Rathnakumara, 1st Vice President Nishantha Perera, and Manager E. R. Leonard.

Both parties emphasised the urgent need to align vocational and technical training with real industry demands, particularly in the areas of modern printing technologies, production efficiency, quality control, and sustainable practices. The proposed collaboration aims to design structured apprenticeship pathways, short-term certification courses, and advanced technical programs tailored specifically for the printing industry.

SLAP President Eng. Janaka Rathnakumara highlighted the long-term vision of the association. “The printing industry is undergoing rapid technological transformation. To remain competitive locally and globally, we must invest in structured skills development. Our vision at SLAP is to build a competent, industry-ready workforce by working closely with national institutions like NAITA, ensuring training programs are practical, relevant, and future-focused,” he said.

NAITA officials reaffirmed their commitment to supporting industry-driven training models and career guidance initiatives that enhance employability while contributing to national economic development. The collaboration is expected to open new opportunities for young people to enter the printing sector through well-defined apprenticeship and vocational training pathways.

This initial meeting marks the beginning of a strategic partnership between SLAP and NAITA, with further discussions planned to formalise programs and implementation frameworks. The initiative reflects a shared commitment to workforce development, technical education, and sustainable growth of Sri Lanka’s printing

industry.