On March 29, 2025, Janathakshan GTE Ltd., under the PHINLA Phase 2 Project, successfully conducted a dynamic Public Awareness Session for the Handala Resource Bank (RB). Held in the heart of the Handala community, the event aimed to strengthen local engagement in sustainable waste management practices through the promotion of the innovative Resource Bank model.
The PHINLA Phase 2 Project—co-funded by BMZ and World Vision Germany—seeks to create scalable and community-driven solutions for waste collection and recycling. This session was a key activity under the project’s public sensitization and education component, focusing on promoting environmental stewardship while fostering economic opportunities at the local level.
The event brought together Resource Collectors from the Wattala area, the Handala RB Operator, and other community stakeholders. It served as an open platform to enhance awareness about the functioning of the Resource Bank model and its role in transforming how households and commercial establishments manage their waste.
Mr. Shakila Wishwajith Bandara, Project Coordinator at Janathakshan, expertly facilitated the session. He guided participants through the principles and practical operations of a Resource Bank, highlighting how these systems help formalize the informal waste sector, encourage household-level participation, and create a reliable waste collection network.
The engagement encouraged dialogue between waste collectors and the RB operator, reinforcing community ownership and accountability. Attendees explored how collaboration can improve efficiency, enhance livelihoods, and contribute to environmental protection.
Through this and similar initiatives, Janathakshan continues to build momentum toward a circular economy, empowering local communities to take the lead in managing their own waste systems. The Handala RB awareness session marks another milestone in the journey of transforming waste into a valuable resource and creating sustainable, resilient communities in Sri Lanka.
Stay tuned as we continue to share updates from the PHINLA Phase 2 journey and the expansion of the Resource Bank business model across the country.