Minister of Power and Energy Hon. W.D.J. Seniviratne, U.S. Embassy Charge d’Affaires James Moore, and Sustainable Energy Authority Chairman Dr. Krishan Deheragoda officially launched the Regional Center for Lighting in Sri Lanka, the first of its kind in South Asia, on April 27, 2009.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the development agency of the U.S. Government, partnered with the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) and the Lighting Research Center, USA to create the new lighting center. It is expected to promote energy efficient lighting technology, find innovative ways to apply new technologies, and encourage new investment in research and development.
Lighting the traditional oil lamp formally launching the RCL
USAID provided up to $800,000 (Rs 95.063 million) of initial funding for the Regional Center through its South Asia Regional Initiative for Energy (SARI/E) program. SARI/E promotes more efficient regional energy resource utilization, works toward transparent and profitable energy practices, mitigates the environmental impacts of energy production, and increases regional access to energy. SARI/E countries include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
The Lighting Research Center (LRC) is the primary knowledge partner for the RCEEL and plans to provide technical knowledge, training and guidance on RCEEL activities. The LRC is part of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute of Troy, New York, and is a leading university-based research center devoted to lighting.
“Providing access to electricity is a critical factor in supporting economic development throughout the region,” stated James Moore, U.S. Embassy Charge d’Affaires. “By creating this regional center that will focus solely on the development of affordable, clean, and accessible sources of electricity, we can ensure that future generations receive the benefits of electricity, while at the same time protecting our natural environment” he continued.
A part of the distinguished gathering who attended the event
Addressing the gathering, Minister of Power and Energy, Hon. W.D.J. Seniviratne stated, “I believe the RCL will function as an institute to facilitate research that promotes the development of efficient lighting technologies, to establish product standards on efficient lighting systems, facilitate the transfer of lighting technologies among regional countries and donor countries, and promote efficient lighting applications, catalyzing relevant policy changes and encouraging new investments in research and applications.”
“By supporting new lighting technologies, RCL can help produce clean, low-cost, durable, high-quality energy that will benefit underprivileged communities and control the national demand for energy,” expressed SLSEA Chairman, Dr. Krishan Deheragoda. “It is our pride that Sri Lanka is taking the lead to develop energy efficient lighting in South Asia,” he continued. The total cost of the Center is $5 million (Rs 594.14 million), with additional funding expected from other sources.
Participants in the launch ceremony also included M. M.M.C. Ferdinando, Secretary, Ministry of Power and Energy, Dr. N. Narendran, Director Research, Lighting Research Center USA, and S. Padmanaban, Director, South Asia Regional Initiative for Energy.