Sri Lanka goes solar for rural lighting

May 06, 2011 (LBO) - Sri Lanka is to provide solar power for the 10 percent of homes that cannot be reached by extending the national electricity grid in its bid to ensure 100 percent electrification by 2012. The Cabinet of ministers has approved a proposal by the power and energy ministerPatali Ranawaka to introduce advanced solar powered white LED (light emitting diode) lighting products, a statement said.

The LEDs will be to power the basic lighting needs of about 150,000 homes and other locations beyond the reach of the grid.

About 10 percent of homes still depend on kerosene for lighting and most are beneficiaries of the state 'Samurdhi' welfare programme, the statement said.

The project will save 1.15 billion rupees spent on kerosene a year.