Sri Lanka focuses on clean, low-cost lighting

April 29, 2009 (LBO) - Sri Lanka has set up an energy efficient lighting centre with United States support aimed at promoting clean and low-cost lighting technologies in the south Asian region. "Providing access to electricity is a critical factor in supporting economic development throughout the region," James Moore, U.S. Embassy Charge d’Affaires, was quoted as saying in an embassy statement.

"By creating this regional centre 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."

The US Agency for International Development (USAID), the development agency of the US government, partnered with the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority and the Lighting Research Center, USA to create the new lighting centre.

It is known as the Regional Center for Energy Efficient Lighting in Sri Lanka (RCEEL).

The Lighting Research Center is part of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute of Troy, New York, and is a leading university-based research centre devoted to lighting.

USAID provided up to 800,000 dolla