Employment model for green jobs in Sri Lanka: Promoting green jobs and livelihoods in municipal solid waste management
This employment model for green job is produced by the Green Jobs in Asia Project which is supported by the Australian Government (2010–2015). There are important green-job-creation opportunities in Sri Lanka’s recycling industry. However, sub-standard working conditions, productivity gaps and low incomes as well as the informal nature of the work remain key challenges to be addressed. To transform waste recycling into work which is truly deemed to be ‘green jobs’ is the main aim of the employment model for the Western Province of Sri Lanka. The model achieves its objective to improve working conditions by supporting innovative partnerships, developing curricula for skills, entrepreneurship, and financial training. The model promotes productive work and facilitates the progressive formalization of jobs among the most vulnerable categories of informal workers and women involved in waste collection and processing.