The meeting marked a milestone in recognizing and strengthening the contribution of informal waste collectors, who are now formally organized, 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 under WMA and Haritha Balakaya 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.
The GRCA is now calling on 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.
Backed by expert consultants and technical advisors, GRCA members have transformed from informal waste collectors into recognized professionals driving environmental change at the grassroots level.
At the prestigious 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: recognize 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.
This is a unique opportunity for government, private sector, and civil society to invest in certified, skilled professionals who are driving measurable environmental and social impact.”
With NVQ Level 4–trained members and guidance from technical consultants, GRCA combines practical expertise, deep knowledge of waste management, and networks across municipal and private sectors.
The collective is equipped to deliver sustainable and efficient solutions that convert waste into valuable resources, generate measurable environmental impact, and create dignified livelihoods.
The GRCA’s call for collaboration comes at a crucial time when cities across the Western Province and beyond face mounting waste management challenges.
By supporting certified resource collectors, stakeholders can contribute directly to national sustainability goals while empowering a predominantly women-led workforce in the waste sector.