'Solar' Sanath

by Nilma Dole

Meeting a dynamic and exciting person like 'Solar' Sanath De Silva is a honour because he lights up everyone's life the environmentally-friendly way. His name goes a long way. 'Solar' Sanath works with the International Non-Governmental Organisation 'Light up the World' (LUTW) who are committed to finding ways to 'work with less power to maximum number of hours'.

After finishing his Advanced Levels in Science at Royal College, Sanath ventured into Electronics and Telecommunications at the University of Moratuwa. After working for nearly 5 years in a leading telecommunications company, he then started his own enterprise dealing in electronics, repairing, designing, remote-control gate systems, main security systems and eventually entered the arena of solar power.

The tsunami was the turning point in 'Solar' Sanath's life where he was asked by his cousin to work with LUTW to offer light to the destroyed villages. The LUTW is facilitated by the Calgenie University under the guidance of Dr. Dave Evenhaller.

The tsunami reconstruction process was done in accordance with Sarvodaya and the donation and installation of LED lamps. "LUTW has donated LED lamps to 6,000 houses for which 2500 houses were donated by Sarvodaya and 3500 homes was donated by World-Vision", remarked Sanath on the tsunami efforts. "I have also assisted in the installation of Solar units in Afghanistan, Ghana, Zimbabwe and South Africa".

"The Solid State Solar Power System is easy to install and takes only 5 minutes" says Sanath about this light-giving mechanism. Consisting of 2 LED lamps, it has a wired contraption which is a rechargeable battery that is fitted to the waterproof Solar Panel.

Requiring only 5 to 6 hours of solar power, powered by the sun's rays, it can last for upto 48 hours.

Sanath emphasizes, "The energy saving LED lamp can be used in high illumination, low illumination or for night-dimming and can illuminate a 10X10 area." Using quality components like the brand NISHIKA is appropriate because they come with a comprehensive 25 year warranty.

Especially tailor-made for the tsunami houses, the lamps have a moistureproof circuit. These decorative lamps are 100% safe unlike oil lamps. These energy-saving lamps can be used longer and have an Aluminium coat to ensure that the lamp isn't damaged due to its high power.

Even though LEDs are more expensive than CFL bulbs, LEDs are a wise investment choice. However, Sanath says that a solar cell manufacturer is vital especially when reaping benefits later with a high initial investment.

Many are now investing in Solar Power as a power backup. Let us hope that this idea will catch on as solar power is not only a solution to the energy crisis but will also quell Global Warming.

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