Janathakshan GTE Ltd, with financial backing from The Coca-Cola Foundation, has successfully wrapped up the initiative titled “Strengthening Women and Youth Engagement in Informal Waste Management in Sri Lanka” (SWYFT). This project, which ran from August 2024 to May 2026, spanned across the Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Matale, and Kurunegala districts, and played a pivotal role in enhancing plastic waste management systems while promoting circular economy practices throughout the country.
The SWYFT initiative was structured around three primary goals: to raise community awareness regarding responsible consumption and effective waste disposal; to generate sustainable livelihood opportunities for women and youth involved in plastic waste management; and to reinforce and formalize informal waste management systems in the targeted areas to cultivate a more inclusive and sustainable circular economy.
During its two-year execution, the project marked several significant achievements within Sri Lanka’s environmental framework. It established five women- and youth-led Material Collection and Processing Centers (MCPCs), outfitted with advanced baling equipment to enhance resource recovery. A landmark development was the introduction of Sri Lanka’s first hydro-powered MCPC, created in collaboration with Thalawakelle Plantation of the Hayleys Group, setting a new standard for partnerships between the private sector and civil society.
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To minimize the carbon emissions associated with local waste collection, the project implemented electric three-wheelers specifically designed for waste management purposes. A total of eight electric three-wheelers and fifteen electric bikes were distributed to local waste collection operators, promoting efficient logistics with lower emissions.
SWYFT also prioritized enhancing the financial viability and resilience of informal waste management participants. Tailored business plans were crafted for all five MCPCs and 40 individual informal waste collectors to facilitate ongoing income generation and business viability. Furthermore, 45 individual waste collectors underwent specialized training aimed at boosting their operational efficiency and expanding their economic prospects within the circular economy. To strengthen evidence-based policymaking in the waste management sector, the project completed a National PET Plastic Ecosystem Study, yielding crucial insights for future environmental policies and initiatives.
The initiative effectively engaged communities and stakeholders through extensive outreach and educational programs that promoted responsible plastic use, waste sorting, recycling, and environmentally sound disposal methods. These efforts reached over 15,000 schoolchildren, more than 3,000 community members, and over 400 stakeholders from both government and private sectors. The targeted awareness campaigns contributed to fostering positive behavioral changes, enhancing public awareness regarding plastic pollution, and reinforcing collective efforts towards sustainable waste management and environmental stewardship.
The SWYFT project culminated in a National Informal Waste Collectors Recognition Event held on May 27, 2026, at Amari Colombo. This event gathered government officials, private sector representatives, and civil society partners to recognize the invaluable contributions of informal waste collectors to the environment. Additionally, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits were provided to attendees to enhance their occupational safety and health.
Hon. Anton Jayakodi, Deputy Minister of Environment, attended as the Chief Guest alongside senior representatives from the Ministry of Environment, the Central Environmental Authority, and the Western Province Waste Management Authority.
Hon. Anton Jayakodi remarked: “Plastic pollution has emerged as a significant environmental concern in Sri Lanka. The role of the informal waste management sector in plastic waste collection and recycling is both invaluable and commendable. We greatly appreciate the support from private sector partners and other stakeholders in bolstering these efforts to maintain a clean and sustainable Sri Lanka.”
Dr. Janaka Hemathilaka, CEO/Executive Director of Janathakshan GTE Ltd, emphasized: “At Janathakshan, we are dedicated to empowering individuals and involving communities in the circular economy while safeguarding the environment and ecosystems. Through innovation and technology, we strategically transform waste into value in ways that benefit both people and the planet.”
The successful completion of the SWYFT initiative has allowed Janathakshan and The Coca-Cola Foundation to create a scalable and inclusive framework for community-driven environmental sustainability and economic empowerment within Sri Lanka’s plastic waste management sector.
