ABONANZAFORTHE POOREST OFTHE POOR
SBy Mandulee Mendis
preading some light on the dark facets of society, a new invention has arisen. “This invention is a bulb that can be used by children to study at night and it was made focusing the children of families that can’t afford electricity.” said Wijayapala Welgama, speaking on his new invention.
“Although society today is highly urbanised, modernised and technology oriented, still there are many families who use a kerosene oil medium instead of electricity. These families have little children who face difficulties in studying at night. Therefore I had them in mind in building this device which needs only solar power as a source of energy,” he said. “In this invention, there is a special option with an extra bulb attached to a lengthy wire which can be utilised for home purposes,” he explained.
Describing the mechanism behind the invention, Welgama pointed out that it operates with solar power collected by a small solar panel. According to him, this energy flows to the battery and gives out electricity for both the main bulb used to study and the optional bulb which could be used for any other purpose. “I have used a small solar panel and a small battery because very little electricity is needed for the illumination of the bulb, especially because I have used LED bulbs in this set up. It also makes the device simple and charming,” said Welgama. “The basic idea of this product is to put an end to kerosene oil lamp,” he said.He went on to say passionately, “I have away given some of the clones of this invention to some poor families who had children who wanted to study. I believe this social service makes them socialised human beings. We must give children their best chance to rise up with their talents.
‘I can assure the quality and functioning of my invention. It won’t be simply a present given to the needy, but something useful to children. And it does not come up with complicated repairs because the set -up is simple and the battery could be charged at a very low cost when needed. Even a replacement of main parts like the small solar panel would not be expensive.”
Listing out the advantages of using this invention, he spoke of the cost- saving ability, and safe- ty mainly because this lamp is much safer than the kerosene oil lamp that could bring about disasters. “With the use of this lamp, the family could spend the amount dedicated for kerosene for other domestic purposes,” he stated.
As Welgama mentions, there will not be any health issues with the use of this lamp since there is no smoke emanating from the contraption. Wijayapala Welgama has obtained his degree in Economics from Sorbonne University, France and has built his career in the technical field. Presently he runs a business producing LED bulbs which are sold at an affordable price. He was the first to introduce the concept of CFL bulbs to Sri Lanka and he still holds the patent for it. Currently he holds classes in French utilis- ing the number of qualifications he holds in French language teaching.
‘I got this idea of creating something for children of poor families because I wanted to be useful for others using my technical skills and experience,” Welgama said. “I wish to give away some products free, but for that we must choose the correct families with children who are truly in need of support. For this purpose I would like to get the help of some donors and associations who can choose the families fairly,” said Welgama explaining his future vision.
He has also submitted this invention for “Sahasak Nimewum 2013”. Mr. Welgama can be con
tacted on 0722833524, 0312223068 and his device can be purchased at a reasonable price from No, 35, Parakrama Rd,
Kurana, Negambo.