Lighting Sri Lanka’s Future

Original project description

The initiative converts widely used traditional kerosene lanterns into solar-powered LED lighting systems. These can be used by children to study at night and by night fishermen.

The lamp’s design is unique as it is powered by a rechargeable 12 volt 4-6 Amp seal lead acid battery, with a 3 year lifespan and provides 30 hours of improved luminosity. The affordable lanterns can be charged on the grid or via solar panels and are cheaper than kerosene lanterns, making it attractive to locals needing to cut household costs. The amount of money invested in kerosene consumes up to 30% of the fishermen’s income.
Besides the lamps provide bright, clean light and withstand wind and water spillage. They are easy to maintain, less labour intensive and less of a fire risk than traditional kerosene lamps. The absence of smoke and fumes reduces health risks for users.
Since the solar lamps provide better and longer lighting than kerosene lamps, they also improve fish catch, income and livelihoods. Furthermore they contribute to the development of children and their education.

The demand for this product is increasing rapidly as 35,000 registered night fishermen use kerosene lamps and about 6 million children need light at night to study. In the next 5 years, the partnership aims to convert 20,000 kerosene lanterns.

Current project updates

No update available.

Growth plans description

• Establish and operate 2 pilot-run solar LED lighting centres in 2 villages.
• Develop or strengthen community mechanisms to manage and monitor the impacts of LED lighting systems.
• Distribute 400 solar LED reading lamps on a credit basis to children in 2 villages.
• Distribute 100 solar LED lanterns for night fishing on a micro-credit basis.
• Increase local awareness and education about climate change and how local people can help with mitigation and adaptation.
• Produce a 15 minute documentary film and a website on solar LED lighting systems.

Current Needs

• Financial support to educate the local people on the lamps’ health-related and economic benefits
• Assistance in marketing the lamp.
• Financial support to convert 20,000 kerosene lamps into LED lights.
• Assistance in establishing a rotating fund system

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