In September 2025, the Negombo Recycling Club (NRC), a Regional Block Grantee of the PLEASE Project, inaugurated two Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) in Trincomalee and Batticaloa. These facilities are part of the 15 MRFs implemented across Sri Lanka through NRC’s BLUECAP initiative under the PLEASE Project, with both new MRFs being owned by women entrepreneurs.
The Trincomalee ceremony was presided over by Mrs. Sasireka Naguleswaran, Director of Trincomalee Recovery Hub (pvt) Ltd. MRF. Mr. W.G.M. Hemantha Kumara, Government Agent of Trincomalee District (District Secretary), attended as the Chief Guest, while Mr. M.R.S. Haque, Kuchchaveli Divisional Secretary, was the Guest of Honour. Other notable government officials included Mr. A. Mubarak, Chairman of Kuchchaveli Pradesiya Sabha; Dr. Mrs. S. Jamuna, Medical Officer of Health-Kuchchaveli; along with Grama Niladari, Development Officer, Public Health Inspector (PHI), and representatives from Community Based Organizations.
The Trinco Recycling Hub has brought a remarkable transformation to my life and the Trincomalee community. As a woman entrepreneur, leading this facility has strengthened my confidence, leadership, and financial stability, enabling me to support my family while empowering other women to take part in sustainable development. The Hub has created both direct and indirect job opportunities for women and youth, promoting economic independence and improving the community’s overall quality of life.
Sasirecka Naguleshwaran, Director, Trinco Recycling Hub
The Batticaloa ceremony was chaired by Mrs. Dieniel ThavashiViji, Director of the Eastern Recycling Centre MRF. The Chief Pastor of a nearby church served as the Chief Guest, offering blessings to the facility. Government representatives present at this launch included an Environmental Officer from the Central Environmental Authority (CEA), a Public Health Inspector, Grama Niladari, Development Officer, and other local authority representatives.
Being an owner of a business is new experience for me. But from the BLUECAP project I got training and exposure, while getting connected to other women entrepreneurs – this boosted my confidence and skills. We are now collecting about 3000 kg of plastic waste per month. It has significantly increased our family income. There are also more than 15 other community collectors who are connected to us, and now getting an additional income because of this MRF.
Dieniel ThavashiViji, Director of the Eastern Recycling Centre MRF
Both MRF launches were also attended by members of the public, who showed their support for this crucial initiative, which is expected to play a vital role in reducing plastic waste pollution in their respective regions.
These two MRFs are the final out of 15 MRF’s that have been launched under NRC’s BLUECAP initiative. All 15 MRFs have now successfully commenced operations in 15 Districts across Sri Lanka.