– Around 84% of the population in Sri Lanka has expressed their willingness to donate eyes, according to relevant data, reflecting strong public support for corneal donation programs in the country.

Sri Lanka’s remarkable eye donation achievements and the progress of the National Eye Bank were highlighted at a special ceremony held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall to mark its 15th anniversary, under the patronage of Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Anil Jasinghe.

The Sri Lanka National Eye Bank, established on February 24, 2011, was officially renamed the Sri Lanka National Eye Bank Trust under Act No. 2 of 2023, with Dr. Anil Jasinghe currently serving as its Chairman.

Over the past 15 years, the institution has collected more than 17,000 corneal tissues, of which around 12,000 have been successfully transplanted to patients within Sri Lanka, restoring sight and improving the quality of life of thousands. In addition, between 4,000 and 4,500 tissues have been provided to other countries based on international demand, making Sri Lanka a recognised contributor in global eye donation networks, with strong demand particularly from Asian countries including Singapore and South Africa.

The Eye Bank functions as a specialised medical institution that collects corneal tissue from deceased donors, processes it scientifically, and transplants it to patients suffering from corneal blindness.

Addressing the ceremony, Dr. Anil Jasinghe paid special tribute to the founder and former Chief Executive Officer of the National Eye Bank, Consultant Ophthalmologist Dr. Charith Fonseka, recognising his pioneering role and longstanding service in establishing and developing the institution.

Mementoes were also presented to staff members of the National Eye Bank Trust and to families of eye donors in appreciation of their contribution to restoring vision to patients in need.

The event was attended by Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media Specialist Dr. Kumara Wickramasinghe, Director General of Health Services Specialist Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Director of the National Eye Hospital Specialist Dr. Jayaruwan Bandara, Director of the National Eye Bank Trust Specialist Dr. Kusum Ratnayake, Manager Anuruddha Marasinghe, Accountant Sumudu Rajakaruna, Chairman of the Association of Eye Surgeons Specialist Ophthalmologist K.R. Dayawansa, Specialist Ophthalmologist Dr. Champa Banagala, representatives from the Sri Lanka National Hospital, eye surgeons, doctors, nurses, health staff, members of the Board of Directors of the Eye Bank Trust, and family members of donors.