K.H. Gayani De Silva never expected to run a business. For years, her life centered around her family: raising two sons, ensuring their needs were met, and managing the home with care. While her husband is the head of the household, all her work is focused on the kitchen to prepare yummy food for the family. Life was steady, fulfilling. But as her boys grew older, she found herself with something unfamiliar: some extra time! She wanted to use it wisely.
Encouraged by her supportive husband, she began looking for something meaningful to do. When she discovered INSEE Ecocycle Lanka’s project, “Empowering Women for Circular Plastic Economy,” she knew it was the perfect fit. The project wasn’t just about recycling; it was about creating opportunities for local communities. With INSEE’s support under the PLEASE Project, she launched Green Cycle Solution, a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) dedicated to recycling plastic and uplifting local women.
The facility started small, with just three women from the nearby community. She ensured they had a safe, supportive environment, provided lunch and tea breaks, and ensured they felt valued. Her work, their work, wasn’t just about waste management. It was about dignity.
Beyond the facility, the impact rippled through the town. Plastic waste, once burned or thrown away, was now collected by schoolchildren who exchanged bottles for books, pens, and pencils. Low-income families benefited, and awareness about plastic pollution spread. The town became cleaner, reducing health risks like dengue. A simple idea had grown into a positive movement.
Though she completed middle school, Gayani never let that hold her back. With INSEE’s guidance and support, she gained confidence, leading awareness sessions and engaging with the community. She eventually stepped out of her comfort zone, learning to connect with people in many ways she never had before.
More than anything, she dreams of creating more job opportunities, especially for women struggling to balance work and home. She believes that with the right support, women can thrive in any industry.
“I don’t know where this journey will lead next,” she says with a smile. “But what truly brings me happiness is knowing I’m gradually making a difference.”
