GRCA urges stakeholders to back SL’s first certified resource collectors
View(s):Nearing its second anniversary, the Green Resource Collectors Association (GRCA), a Western Province–based network of trained resource collectors, convened a special gathering in Colombo this week, hosting Hanif Yusoof, Governor of the Western Province, and Colombo Mayor Vraie Balthazaar.
The meeting marked a milestone in recognising and strengthening the contribution of informal waste collectors, who are now formally organised, predominantly women, professionally trained, and ready to partner with government, private sector, and civil society actors.
Formed under the guidance of World Vision Lanka and The Coca-Cola Foundation as project pioneers, the GRCA comprises 40+ trained and accredited individuals, predominantly women, who represent the country’s first group of NVQ Level 4–certified resource collectors. All members are registered as certified resource collectors. Each member is equipped with technical expertise, modern machinery, and safety equipment to ensure efficient, responsible waste management across communities, with a strong focus on recycling, upcycling, repurposing, and resource value-add, GRCA said in a media release.
The GRCA is now urging government agencies, corporate entities, civil society organizations, and the diplomatic community to partner with the collective in expanding sustainable waste recovery and recycling solutions across Sri Lanka.
At the recent event, Achini Shivanthi, President of GRCA stated, “For years, we’ve worked behind the scenes, doing the jobs few notice but everyone depends on. We’ve trained, built our skills, and become true resource collectors beyond just waste pickers. All we ask now is simple: recognise us, and work with us. We are ready to build a cleaner, more dignified Sri Lanka for everyone.”
The GRCA is now seeking partnerships and working capital to maximize its impact. Lakshan Madurasinghe, CEO/Founder of Solutions Ground and Consultant to GRCA added, “GRCA members are ready to contribute at scale, but they need support to expand their operations. Working capital will allow them to strengthen collection and sorting infrastructure, equip members with modern tools and machinery, and scale recycling initiatives.”
The GRCA’s call for collaboration comes at a crucial time when cities across the Western Province and beyond face mounting waste management challenges.
Hitad.lk has you covered with quality used or brand new cars for sale that are budget friendly yet reliable! Now is the time to sell your old ride for something more attractive to today's modern automotive market demands. Browse through our selection of affordable options now on Hitad.lk before deciding on what will work best for you!