Islamabad (Adnan Hameed): In a significant gesture of goodwill, Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Admiral (Retired) Ravi Wijegunaratne, donated ten eye corneas to Brigadier (Dr.) Waquar, Director of the Pakistan Military Eye Hospital in Rawalpindi. This brings the total number of corneas donated by Sri Lankans to Pakistan to 26,215, all aimed at restoring vision to those in need.
The corneas, sourced from deceased donors in Sri Lanka, will primarily benefit Pakistan Army personnel who have lost their eyesight due to terrorist activities, particularly IED explosions. Priority will also be given to retired military personnel and their families.
Expressing his joy and pride, High Commissioner Admiral Wijegunaratne said, “We are extremely happy to support the people of Pakistan, especially the military. Pakistan’s unwavering support in military hardware and training was crucial in our fight against LTTE terrorists, helping us to eliminate the terrorist threat in Sri Lanka.”
The High Commissioner was accompanied by Brigadier Kaminda Silva, the Defence Adviser at the Sri Lanka High Commission in Islamabad. They observed the eye cornea transplant procedures conducted by Pakistan Military Eye Specialists in the state-of-the-art operation theaters at the Military Eye Hospital.
The successful coordination and funding for the air transfer of these corneas were managed by Mr. Idris Admani, President of the Sri Lanka-Pakistan Friendship Society, in collaboration with the Eye Donation Society of Sri Lanka.