Eye Donation society receives Japanese commendation

A commendation by the Japanese Foreign Minister was presented to Sri Lanka Eye Donation Society by Japanese Ambassador in Colombo Mizukoshi Hideaki on September 06, at Studio 3, Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, Colombo 07.The ceremony was part of the special TV programme commemorating the late President J.R. Jayewardene’s historic speech at the San Francisco Peace Treaty 71 years ago, the Japanese embassy said in a press release issued yesterday (08)

It said: “Sri Lanka Eye Donation Society (SLEDS) was established in 1955 under the strong leadership of late President Hon. J.R. Jayewardene who built the closer connection between Sri Lanka and Japan. SLEDS, from its establishment to the present, has provided much needed services while donating over 8,000 corneas (more than 200 annually) to Japan alone, including President Jayewardene’s own corneas, the left to a Japanese woman and the right to a Sri Lankan citizen.

In recognizing the Sri Lanka Eye Donation Society’s earnest work towards citizens and endorsing the strong friendship of the two nations, the Government of Japan has extended both grants and technical assistance.The Foreign Minister’s Commendations are awarded to individuals and groups for their outstanding achievements in the international field to acknowledge their contribution to the promotion of friendship between Japan and foreign countries.