Sampath Bank Strengthens Ocean Plastic Reduction Efforts with the Community-led Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Dickwella

Reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship and inclusive socio-economic development, Sampath Bank PLC officially handed over a fully operational Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Batheegama, Dickwella, under its ‘A Breath to the Ocean’, ocean plastic reduction initiative. This milestone marks a significant step in transitioning from a corporate-led initiative to a community-owned, sustainable model.

Implemented in partnership with Neptune Recyclers (Pvt) Limited and the Sobakantha Foundation, the initiative is designed to address the critical gap in formal waste collection systems along Sri Lanka’s southern coastline. The project focuses on intercepting plastic waste before it reaches the ocean, playing a vital role in protecting fragile marine ecosystems, including coral reefs and turtle nesting habitats.

Commenting on the occasion, Dr Lalith Weragoda, Chief Transformation Officer at Sampath Bank PLC, said, “This initiative marks an important transition from facilitating cleanups to enabling a circular economy that is owned and sustained by the community. The strength of this project lies in the 384 women who have shaped it into both a livelihood and a purpose, and we take great pride in handing over this facility to them, confident in their ability to drive lasting environmental and socio-economic impact.”

Further reflecting the collaborative spirit behind the project, Azleen Majeed, Chief Executive Officer of Neptune Recyclers (Pvt) Ltd., added, “At Neptune Recyclers, we believe that sustainable waste management must be both community-driven and scalable. Our partnership with Sampath Bank to establish the Batheegama Material Recovery Facility in Dickwella reflects a shared commitment to creating lasting environment impact while empowering local communities, namely Sobakantha. Together, we are strengthening the plastic collection ecosystem across the Southern region in advancing Sri Lanka’s transition toward a circular economy.”

At the heart of the initiative is a strong focus on empowering women, with 384 individuals supported and transformed into environmental stewards and micro-entrepreneurs. Through structured training and integration into a formal recycling value chain, these women are now able to generate a stable income while contributing meaningfully to environmental conservation.

The establishment of the Material Recovery Facility strengthens the local recycling ecosystem by creating an organised system for sorting and processing waste, ensuring that collected plastics are reintroduced into the production cycle rather than ending up in landfills or the ocean. This approach moves beyond one-off cleanups and establishes a sustainable circular economy model that delivers both environmental and social value.

The official handover marks a defining milestone in the project’s journey, as operational ownership transitions to the community, ensuring long-term continuity while fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among beneficiaries, enabling the initiative to sustain and grow within the local context.

Through initiatives of this nature, Sampath Bank continues to align its corporate responsibility efforts with long-term sustainability goals, supporting solutions that protect the environment while creating inclusive economic opportunities for communities across Sri Lanka.

Photo Caption: 

Dr. Lalith Weragoda, Chief Transformation Officer of Sampath Bank PLC, officially unveiling and handing over the fully operational Material Recovery Facility Centre in Batheegama.