In the presence of rising petroleum product prices such as kerosene and diesel, and in addition to the lack of electricity and dwindling forest cover to obtain firewood, the need for alternative sources of energy is a strongly felt need in this area where there is a high percentage of low-income families.

This project will improve the improvement of the effectiveness of energy consumption in the Monaragala District. The grantee organization, Madugama Ekabadda Sanwardana Sansadhaya (MESS), will encourage the community to use fuel-efficient "Anagi" stoves and solar-powered lamps and water pumps, replacing fossil-fuel lamps and pumps. Five CBOs will be set up as a result of organizing the beneficiary communities into decision-making groups.

In the selected project areas, MESS has enhanced the communities' awareness and motivating them to use alternative power sources effectively. This awareness will reduce the amount of air pollution and will upgrade their living standards. ?Anagi? stoves will be introduced since these consume less firewood which reduces the damage to forest cover remaining in these locations. By moving to solar-powered based technology, communities will minimize their reliance on fossil fuels, and therefore reduce the negative impact on the environment.