US Government Helps open:

Workshop on Energy Efficient Lighting

US Embassy Charge d’Affaires James Moore, Power and Energy Minister W.D.J. Seneviratne, and Sustainable Energy Authority Chairman Dr. Krishan Deheragoda officially opened a two-day workshop to launch a new center for energy efficient lighting in Sri Lanka, the first of its kind in South Asia.

The workshop will bring together experts in lighting technology from the United States, Sri Lanka, and other countries in South Asia to help increase access to electricity, seen as a critical factor in economic development in the region.

The US Agency for international Development (USAID), the development agency of the US Government, partnered with the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) and the Lighting Research Centre USA to create the new lighting center, known as the Regional Center for Energy Efficient Lighting in Sri Lanka (RCEEL).

The partnership also designed the workshop to promote energy efficient lighting technology, find innovative ways to apply new technologies, and encourage new investment in research and development.

“Providing access to electricity is a critical factor in supporting economic development throughout the region,” stated James Moore, US Embassy Charge d’Affairs. “By creating this regional center 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.

Through this workshop, leaders in technology development will have the chance to learn and share together, which will benefit everyone in South asia,” he continued.