A Global
Glow
by Dhananjani Silva
by Dhananjani Silva
 |
| Dr. Wijaya Godakumbura demonstrating the safe bottle lamp |
“The Safe
Bottle Lamp Foundation founded by Lankan Consultant Surgeon Dr. Wijaya Godakumbura was
launched as a burns prevention campaign in 1992. Since then it has reached
thousands of households, reducing the number of burn injuries/deaths that occur
among the poorest of poor; especially those in rural areas due to the use of
makeshift unsafe kerosene oil lamps. Both children and adults alike become
victims of these devastating accidents”.
“Up to now,
over 750,000 such safe lamps have been manufactured and distributed free of
charge in all parts of the island except in the north, the doctor says adding
that they encounter difficulties like transportation issues and lack of sales
outlets when trying to reach rural areas.”
“Now in
recognition of the quantum of work carried out over the years, the Safe Bottle
Lamp Project has been picked as one of 12 finalists in the global contest -
‘The World Challenge – 09’ conducted by BBC, Newsweek and Shell. In the running
for this prestigious prize this year are projects from countries like the USA,
India, Indonesia, Thailand etc. (The Safe Bottle Lamp Project was the winner) In 2006, it was a winner from Sri Lanka as
Maximus, the elephant paper project took the prize.”
The words
of (late) Sir Arthur C. Clarke who acclaimed the genuine efforts of an individual who
invented a ‘safe’ bottle lamp to replace the makeshift kerosene bottle lamp
best described why this tiny object has received international recognition.
“I consider
it a great humanitarian effort that has benefited thousands and saved many
lives.”
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