OVER 375 CIVILIANS BENEFIT FROM ARMY-SUPPORTED EYE CLINIC PROGRAMME

An Army-supported eye clinic programme was successfully conducted on 28 March 2026 from 0830 hrs to 1430 hrs at Vavuniya Thavasiyakulam Government Tamil Mixed School, benefiting over 375 civilians above the age of 40 residing within the 562 Infantry Brigade area.

During the programme, specialist ophthalmologists carried out comprehensive eye examinations and identified patients with various visual impairments. Accordingly, 140 individuals were provided with ready-made spectacles, while another 140 received prescriptions for customized spectacles. In addition, 43 patients were referred to higher medical centres for further treatment, 31 were directed to attend specialized eye clinics, and 22 individuals were found to have no visual defects.

The programme was organized under the guidance of Major General S A U A Solangaarachchi RSP ndc psc, General Officer Commanding of the 56 Infantry Division. It was implemented under the supervision of Brigadier D M P U Dissanayake RSP USP IG, Commander of the 562 Infantry Brigade, with the coordination of senior officers, the Civil Affairs Officer of the 562 Infantry Brigade, and the Commanding Officers of 17 (V) Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regiment and 12 (V) Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment.

This humanitarian initiative was facilitated by Assist Resettlement & Renaissance as part of its ongoing efforts to support underserved communities. The organization played a vital role in coordinating medical resources and ensuring the effective conduct of the clinic in close collaboration with military authorities.

The success of the programme was further strengthened by the generous support of Dr. Velayudam Sarveshwaran, Chairman of Assist Resettlement & Renaissance (United Kingdom & Sri Lanka), who arranged for the participation of medical specialists from the Jaffna Teaching Hospital.

This timely initiative significantly enhanced access to essential eye care services and reflects the continued commitment of the Sri Lanka Army towards promoting civilian welfare and community well-being.