Janathakshan GTE Ltd., in partnership with The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF), officially launched a new Material Collection and Processing Centre (MCPC) in Alawwa, marking a significant milestone under the Strengthening Women and Youth Engagement in Informal Waste Management in Sri Lanka (SWYFT) Project.
The inauguration, held on 16 October 2025, brought together a distinguished gathering of stakeholders, highlighting strong collaboration between government, private sector, and community actors. The event was graced by the Hon. Governor of the Northwestern Province, Mr. Tissa Kumarasiri Warnasuriya, as Chief Guest, alongside Hon. Manoj Rajapaksha, representing the Minister of Environment, and Hon. Ashoka Gunasena, Chairman of the Dambadeniya Divisional Development Committee. Also in attendance were Mr. Ajith Paranagama, Chairman of the Alawwa Pradeshiya Sabha, and representatives from government institutions, local authorities, The Coca-Cola Foundation, Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka, Neptune Recyclers, Lumala and Janathakshan.
This newly established Wayamba Eco – Alawwa MCPC serves as a decentralized recycling hub designed to strengthen local waste management systems. The facility enables the collection, sorting, segregation, and processing of recyclable waste, significantly improving resource recovery while reducing dependency on landfills. Equipped with modern baler machines, electric three wheelers and electric bikes, the centre enhances operational efficiency and supports environmentally sustainable waste management practices.
Sharing his message on the significance of the initiative, Carlos Pagoaga, President of The Coca-Cola Foundation, stated:
“The SWYFT program demonstrates how a local approach to waste management can bring both environmental and social benefits. The Material Collection and Processing Centres are enabling real, long-term environmental change by ensuring recyclable materials are recovered and livelihoods are created where they are needed most.”
Echoing this, Dr. Janaka Hemathilaka, CEO/Executive Director of Janathakshan, emphasized:
“We are proud to partner with The Coca-Cola Foundation for this impactful initiative which is strengthening waste management systems while empowering local communities. These community-led centres are not just reducing plastic pollution but also empowering families and building resilience through income generation and sustainable practices.”
The Alawwa centre is one of five MCPCs established across Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Matale, and Kurunegala districts, covering both the Central and North-Western Provinces. Launched in February 2025 in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and TCCF, the SWYFT project integrates infrastructure development, capacity building, and community engagement to address plastic pollution while uplifting women and youth in the informal waste sector.
To date, the project has reached over stakeholders through awareness programmes promoting responsible waste management. Informal waste collectors have also been trained and equipped with protective gear, collection tools, and safety awareness, improving both their livelihoods and working conditions.
Through this SWYFT project 3 e-bikes were introduced and disseminated to IWCs to improve local waste collection in the project areas.
Supported by Neptune Recyclers as the main recycling partner, the MCPCs play a crucial role in recovering post-consumer plastics such as PET bottles, which are processed and directed to large-scale recyclers. This integrated model contributes to strengthening Sri Lanka’s circular economy while aligning with The Coca-Cola Company’s 2035 Voluntary Environmental Goals, including packaging waste reduction, water stewardship, and emission control.
The opening of the Alawwa MCPC stands as a powerful example of community-driven environmental action, demonstrating how strategic partnerships can deliver sustainable solutions that benefit both people and the planet.
