The Power and Energy Ministry is to hire Guangzhou Zhongke Henguen Energy Technology Company Ltd., to advice on the replacement of grid-connected street lamps, with those powered by renewable sources of energy.

This follows Cabinet approval to a proposal, by Power and Energy Minister W. D. J. Seneviratne, to introduce innovative technology, that would replace grid connected street lamps.

Seneviratne, in his Memorandum to the Cabinet of Ministers recommended that "technology innovator, Guangzhou Zhongke Henguen Energy Technology Company Ltd, be invited to present detailed technical and commercial proposals, along with a credit financial package."

The Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA), he said will be the executing agency and the Department of External Resources, would handle all matters with respect to credit financing.

Cabinet, has also approved a proposal by Environment Minister Champika Ranawaka, to prohibit the import and export of virgin Chloro Fluoro Carbons (CFCs), with effect from January 1, 2009 and virgin Bromo Fluoro Carbons (Halons) with effect from January 1, 2010. However, exemptions have been provided for essential and critical uses.

Accordingly, the Ministers decided to direct the Import and Export Controller to introduce appropriate regulations under the Import and Export Controls Act.