Each year more than 200 people die in fires when the crudely made kerosene lamps are accidentally knocked over. Thousands more victims are maimed for life. You have to see the victims to realize the misery they endure. The doctor saw too much of it. A 35-year veteran of the medical service, he was appalled by the number of burn victims seeking treatment at provincial hospitals where he served.
Death can be a mercy.
Many recovering patients ask why they had not been left to die. Something had to be done. Godakumbura began experimenting with alternatives six years ago. The usual lamps are made from discarded bottles, with the wick threaded through a loose metal disc at the mouth. Eager to prevent further tragedy, the surgeon raised funds to have 150,000 safe lamps made and given away.