Anduren Eliyata (Out of the Darkness to Light-3)
In March and August 2023, we proudly provided solar solutions for our children through two Anduren Eliyata (Out of the Darkness to Light) projects. This marks our third collaboration with Anduren Eliyata and SolarBuddy.org.
During our first project, 25 and 49 beneficiaries transitioned from using bottle lamps (Kuppi Lampu) to having electricity. This time, ‘Out of the Darkness to Light’ has enabled us to increase the number of beneficiaries to 250.
Addressing Energy Poverty
Despite the goal of affordable and clean energy for all, as outlined in the Millennium Development Goals, energy poverty remains a significant issue in Sri Lanka. Although it is claimed that every house in Sri Lanka has electricity, many still face challenges. Some areas lack electricity poles, while others cannot afford the connection fees or do not have permanent homes, which are required for an electricity connection.
The Impact of Solar Solutions
Mrs Marie and Mr Chandrasiri, an active elderly couple in Australia, have been working since 2014 to bring children out of darkness by providing solar solutions. Their efforts have spread throughout Sri Lanka, and this time, they are helping us provide solar solutions to 250 children.
Collaboration with Solar Buddy
This project is supported by Solar Buddy, an Australian organization founded by Mr Simon Doble in 2016 to eliminate energy poverty. The solar lamps, developed by tenth-grade students in Sydney, Australia, offer a safe and long-lasting alternative to kerosene lamps. They reduce the risk of toxic gas inhalation, lower kerosene costs by 60%, and minimize fire hazards.
A Message of Hope
Each solar lamp comes with a note from the students who prepared them, wishing the recipients success and happiness. One such note reads, “Hope you get lots of giggles making shadow puppets with this,” highlighting the joy and creativity these lamps bring.
Acknowledgements
We extend our heartfelt thanks to:
- Chandrasiri Fernando and Marie Fernando, founders of the Anduren Eliyata program, for their unwavering support.
- Mr. CI Silva for coordinating the distribution and clearing of the stock of goods.
- All principals, teachers, and community members provided the necessary information and documents.
- Dr Mahendra Gunarathna, Dr Nalin Wijesekara, Dr Aruna Kumara and Dr Ruwan Dissanayaka are organizing the Trincomalee work.
- Mr Rupasinghe and the army chiefs of Saliyapura, Trincomalee, and Polonnaruwa
Continuing the Mission
We have distributed 92 solar units to Suriyawewa, 43 to Trincomalee, and several to other provinces, totalling 108 units in the Anuradhapura district. Despite our progress, many children still lack electricity. The images of children studying by solar light remind us of the ongoing need to address energy poverty.
Thank you for your continued support in bringing light to our children’s futures.
In the pictures, you see a little one who lit the light bulb given today and studied tonight. Our grandmothers turned off the candlelight sixty or seventy years ago. But these children turned off the candlelight yesterday.
