John Keells Group’s ‘Plasticcycle’ expands to schools in the Gampaha district

The newest addition to John Keells Group’s Plasticcycle initiative is the placement of Plasticcycle bins at ten prominent Schools in the Gampaha District. This project commenced in February 2019, under the patronage of the Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment.
The State Minister of Mahaweli Development and Environment, Hon. Ajith Mannapperuma as well as other officials from the Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment and the Gampaha District Central Environmental Authority were present at a recent ceremony held at Bandaranayake College, Gampaha, to mark the handover of the first Plasticcycle bin under this project.
This initiative follows Plasticcycles’ efforts of being a catalyst in significantly reducing plastic pollution in Sri Lanka, with an ever-expanding presence in prominent locations that produce significant quantities of recyclable plastic waste. The project has now recycled over 18 Metric tons of Plastic waste since the launch in July 2017.
The State Minister of Mahaweli Development and Environment, Hon. Ajith Mannapperuma speaking at the occasion said that “this timely initiative is vital in combating plastic pollution in the Gampaha District. Equally important is educating the youth and the future generations on the importance of taking responsibility for their own plastic footprints and how we can all work together to reduce this impact.”
Under this project supported by Elephant house, Plasticcycle bins were also handed over to the Rathnawali Balika, Holy Cross Girls School and Yasodara Balika with six more schools to follow.
Daminda Gamlath, Sector Head – Consumer Foods Sector & Executive Vice President – John Keells Holdings commented that “Elephant House is committed to driving responsible Plastic disposal and recycling in Sri Lanka. The broader efforts of Elephant House to reduce plastic pollution and promote responsible disposal of plastic will continue, paving the way for sustainable recycling across generations to come.”
In attendance at the launch were; Mr. Chathura Malwana, Director – Gampaha District Central Environmental Authority, Mr. Brandon Vanroyen, Regional Sales Manager – Elephant House Beverages, Ms. Nisreen Rehmanjee – Vice President John Keells Group & Head of Tax and Social Entrepreneurship Project and Mr. Buddhika Muthukumarana, Manager Social Entrepreneurship Project, of the John Keells Group.
Plasticcycle” is a Social Entrepreneurship Project launched in July 2017 by John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH), Sri Lanka’s largest listed conglomerate in the Colombo Stock Exchange operating over 70 companies in 7 diverse industry sectors. JKH provides employment to over 13,000 persons and has been ranked as Sri Lanka’s ‘Most Respected Entity’ for 13 years. Whilst being a full member of the World Economic Forum and a Member of the UN Global Compact, JKH drives its vision of “empowering the nation for tomorrow,” through the John Keells Foundation.