 On the roof of the Nikini building, four stories up, it’s a windy day. Employing some caution, we step delicately along a narrow passage between an array of solar panels. Sharing our tenuous perch is Upendra Weerasuriya, proud owner of Sri Lanka’s first zero-energy building. First opened in 2008, the structure’s design ensures enough energy is generated to meet its daily requirements, even allowing for excess energy to be donated to the public grid. Currently, the building houses the offices of Mr. Weerasuriya’s industrial automation business along with his personal residence
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“When you save a life of a person the contentment is everlasting and you truly feel like a hero. Words are not enough to explain how I feel when I see the four youngsters now enjoying their youth to the fullest,” says Thambirajah Vinayagamoorthy. Vinayagamoorthy from Karaithivu was awarded the Budal Na Gold Award, the highest award bestowed on a civilian at the National Civilian Bravery Awards 2009 for saving four youngsters struggling in a stormy sea after they were carried away by a rough wave on July 17, 2008. 