With the aim of facilitating the implementation of the recently launched Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)Model for Plastic Waste Management in the country, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) and Biodiversity Sri Lanka (BSL) in partnership with the Western Province Waste Management Authority (WPWMA) undertook a training program for waste collectors and recyclers in the Kalutara District on June 23, 2022, at Hotel Panaroma. This program was conducted under the capacity-building component of the USAID-supported project to implement an EPR system for plastic waste management in Sri Lanka. Thirty-three (33) collectors and recyclers participated in the program despite prevailing transport issues, which is a significant indication of the level of interest amongst collectors and recyclers.
Mr. Nalin Mannapperuma, Director/ CEO of the WPWMA conducted an introductory session on Solid Waste Management. A practical session on the identification of recyclable materials and various plastic types was conducted by Mr. R. M. N. Silva, Deputy Director (Technical) of the WPWMAy. The practical session was very interactive as collectors and recyclers were asked to identify various plastic types from a set of plastic articles in a box and to explain the processing method applied for each type. Mr. B. D. Taranga, Industrial Development officer, Industrial Development Authority, Western Province presented the financial facilities available for collectors and recyclers. He mentioned that if the country was not facing transport and other serious economic issues at the moment, they would have conducted a session with the participation of representatives from leading banks to register collectors/ recyclers for loan facilities.
A SWOT analysis was conducted to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in the plastic waste collection sector through group work. Four (4) panelists including representatives from Project Teams, WMA, and Eco-Spindles provided expert inputs for the analysis. They also discussed potential ways of addressing some of the pressing issues, such as obtaining business registrations, and the poor recognition accorded to collectors.
The session titled “How to become an entrepreneur” was conducted by Mr. Priyankara Dissanayaka, Manager Sourcing, Eco-Spindles. In his presentation, he briefly touched on theoretical aspects of entrepreneurship and also provided examples of successful entrepreneurs with references to their traits and the challenges faced during their journeys. A session on leadership was conducted by Mr. Nimal Premathilake, who provided practical insights on leader mindsets which are essential for achieving challenging milestones.
As a follow-up action, the participants were requested to register with the WPWMA. In this regard, relevant application forms were distributed during the program. Overall, the participants expressed that they gained new knowledge and mentioned that they are looking forward to engaging more closely with WPWMA for matters pertaining to their operations. Mr. Roshan Salinda who attended the program representing the Project and BSL pointed out that it is important to prioritize some of the most critical issues faced by waste collectors/ recyclers and subsequently work towards addressing each of them collectively with a timeline for the benefit of the country. In conclusion, the WPWMA, stated that as the principal organization responsible for managing solid waste management affairs in the Western Province, will remain committed to resolve issues faced by collectors/ recyclers to uplift the waste collection/ recycling industry in the province.
