UNASL Successfully Host 2nd Free Eye Clinic and Health Camp at St. Raphael’s Church, Daraluwa

OFFICIAL WEB NEWS REPORT

DARALUWA, SRI LANKA – JULY 26, 2026: Under the visionary leadership and guidance of Dr. Chrishantha Dissanayake, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations Association of Sri Lanka (UNASL), the association successfully conducted its 2nd Free Eye Clinic and Community Health Camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at St. Raphael’s Archangel Church in Daraluwa (Pannala DS Division, Kurunegala District).

The humanitarian initiative was organized in close collaboration with the Parish Pastoral Council of St. Raphael’s Church, serving a diverse cross-section of the local community, including school children and the elderly.

Key Medical Outcomes & Community Impact:

During the full-day medical camp, comprehensive vision testing and eye screening were conducted for 85 individuals. The key outcomes of the project include:

* Free Reading Spectacles: 15 individuals with immediate vision impairment were provided with customized reading spectacles completely free of charge.

* Free Eye Lens Sponsorship: 17 patients were referred to receive intraocular lenses (IOL) entirely free of charge.

• Subsidized Lens Procedures: 10 patients were selected to receive required eye lenses at a heavily subsidized 50% discount.

* Specialist Medical Referrals & Temporary Relief: 12 patients diagnosed with complex post-surgical eye complications (such as capsular opacification/cloudiness following previous surgeries) were referred for advanced medical treatment. To ensure their immediate well-being while awaiting specialist procedures, temporary free reading spectacles were also allocated to them.

• Traditional Healthcare Consultations: Beyond ophthalmic care, elderly attendees received specialized clinical guidance and consultations on traditional medicine for various general health ailments.

Dignitaries and Distinguished Guests:

The event was graced by eminent leaders and representatives from various national and international bodies, including:

* Mr. M. M. Zawahir – President, United Nations Association of Sri Lanka (UNASL)

* Dr. Chrishantha Dissanayake – Assistant Secretary-General, UNASL

* Rev. Fr. Patrick Rathugama – Parish Priest, St. Raphael’s Archangel Church, Daraluwa

* Dr. Lakmal – Director, Shri Hela Traditional Medical Forum

* Dr. Ishanthi Padmini Kodikara – Consultant & Sponsor

* Mr. Jayatissa Athudahetti – Secretary-General, International Human Rights Protection and Enforcement Organization.

* Mr. Dhammika Sisira Kumara – Director of Social Services & Welfare, Shri Hela Cultural Collaboration Foundation

* Mr. Sujeewa Nuwan – Regional Coordinator, International Human Rights Commission (IHRC)

• Mr. Hemantha Vitharana – Senior Journalist

• Mrs. Sakura Vasanthi – Proprietor, Eye World Opticals

The program was further strengthened by the active participation of Life Members of UNASL and members of the local church committee.

Key Addresses & Acknowledgments of Sponsors:

Delivering the keynote address, UNASL President Mr. M. M. Zawahir highlighted the core mandates, global values, and sustainable development goals of the United Nations, emphasizing how localized community service projects embody the spirit of the UN.

The successful execution of this community project was made possible through the generous contributions of dedicated partners:

• Eye Screening & Vision Tests: Professionally conducted by Mrs. Sakura Vasanthi and Optometrist Mr. Kavisha Perera of Eye World Opticals.

• Specialist Coordination: Facilitated through the medical coordination of W.K.S. Clinical Center (Makandura).

* Free Lens Sponsorship: Sponsored by the International Human Rights Protection and Enforcement Organization.

* Spectacles Sponsorship: Fully sponsored by Dr. Ishanthi Padmini Kodikara.

• Hospitality & Logistics Support: Refreshments (buns and soft drinks) for all attendees and staff were provided by Mr. Sujeewa Nuwan (Regional Coordinator, IHRC), with overall organizational and operational sponsorship led by Dr. Chrishantha Dissanayake , Mr. Chaminda Nisantha and Mr. Sujeewa Nuwan.

This impactful health camp stands as a testament to UNASL’s unwavering commitment to uplifting grassroots communities, fostering healthcare access, and advancing humanitarian wellbeing across Sri Lanka.