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by Deepal Warnakulasuriya

The bottle lamp invented by W. Wimalasiri Alwis.

W. Wimalasiri Alwis is an entrepreneur who has invented a safe household item with high level of efficiency. This invention is a kerosene oil bottle lamp which could save many from unfortunate deaths, injuries or burns caused by bottle lamp accidents. His invention is a substitute for the traditional kerosene oil lamp and comprises several safety features, including a sealed fuel reservoir.

This safe, portable and low cost household item will be available at CWE outlets islandwide within two months at a reasonable price. The price variation depends on which metal the lamp is made of ie galvanise, aluminium or stainless steel. The Presidential Fund has made arrangements through the Ministry of Finance to provide him the capital to manufacture 5,000 lamps in the first phase of the project. He has already got some orders from South Africa and Ghana. Mr. Wimalasiri won a gold medal and a cash prize for this invention at the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions organised by the World Intellectual Property Organisation. He won a special award recently for being one of the best inventors in Third World countries. He also won the Presidential and National Awards for inventions in 2000.

Receiving an award at the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions

This lightweight product made of metal consists of two main parts; the container of oil and the lid with a neck. The wick tube is attached to a spindle which has a lever and a weight holder at the bottom. The special feature of the lamp is that when it is standing, the spindle resting on the weight holder stands raised and lets the flame out. If one holds the lamp up or if the lamp topples or drops, the spindle automatically lowers the wick tube, extinguishing the flame. It also automatically blows out when raised and one has to keep his/her finger on the lever if she wants to keep it on.

Mr. Wimalasiri told the 'Sunday Observer' that his invention will help more than 40 per cent of Sri Lankans who use kerosene oil lamps.

He said that it is leak-proof, unbreakable, has a long life and is corrosion-free.

Mr. Wimalasiri who hails from the South, is presently the Principal of the Embilipitiya Technical College. He is capable of getting the patent authority for his invention.

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