A joint programme by China and Sri Lanka to conduct free 120 cataract surgeries was completed today (17).
Organised by the Yunnan Provincial People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Sri Lanka – China Social and Cultural Cooperation (ASLCSCC), the project was implemented by the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan and the Lanka Hospitals Corporation PLC.
A 10-members medical team from the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan, China arrived at Colombo last Saturday (13) for the programme held from May 15- 17.
A ceremony was held at the Lanka Hospital in Colombo today (May 17) with the attendance of officials from both China and Sri Lanka.
Visiting governor of Yunnan Province – Mr. Wang Yubo, Madam Yang Mu, DG of the Yunnan Provincial Foreign Affairs Office, Chinese ambassador to Sri Lanka – Mr. Qi Zhenhong, State Minister of Health – Dr. Seetha Arambepola, Mr. Zeng Zhong – President of the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, President of the ASLCSCC – Mr. Indrananda Abeysekara, Secretary to the Eastern Province Governor – Mr. L.P. Madanayake, CEO of Lanka Hospitals – Dr. Deepthi Lokuarachchi, Deputy CEO of Lanka Hospitals – Dr. Lasantha Karunasekara as well as embassy and hospital staff were present.
Speaking to the governor at the ceremony – State minister of Health – Dr. Seetha Arambepola expressed her gratitude to the governor and hoped that more such projects would be initiated in Sri Lanka in the future to benefit all levels of public. Responding, the governor said he hoped that the two countries would enhance cooperation with each other.
Talking to the medical staff of the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, governor Wang praised their efforts and said that they have restored sight to 120 people, who in return, have become ambassadors of China – Sri Lanka cooperation.
Seven newly appointed foreign ambassadors to Sri Lanka presented their credentials to President Anura Kumara Disanayake today (May 15) at the Presidential Secretariat.
The new ambassadors represent the State of Israel, the Argentine Republic, the Republic of Zimbabwe, the Republic of the Philippines, the Republic of Tajikistan, the Kingdom of Cambodia, and the Kingdom of Denmark.
The new diplomats who presented their credentials are as follows :
– Mr. Mariano Agustin Caucino has been appointed as the Ambassador-designate of the Argentine Republic, based in New Delhi. – Ms. Stella Nkomo has been appointed as the Ambassador-designate of the Republic of Zimbabwe, based in New Delhi. – Mr. Reuven Javier Azar has been appointed as the Ambassador-designate of the State of Israel, based in New Delhi. – Ms. Nina P. Cringlet has been appointed as the Ambassador-designate of the Republic of the Philippines, based in Dhaka. – Mr. Lukmon Bobokalonzoda has been appointed as the Ambassador-designate of the Republic of Tajikistan, based in New Delhi. – Ms. Rath Many has been appointed as the Ambassador-designate of the Kingdom of Cambodia, based in New Delhi. – Mr. Rasmus Kristensen has been appointed as the Ambassador-designate of the Kingdom of Denmark, based in New Delhi.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, along with the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, were also present at the occasion. (President’s Media Division)
A special ‘Dansala’ was held at the Maharagama Youth Services Council premises from 7:00 a.m. yesterday (May 13) to mark Vesak Poya Day.
Unlike traditional ‘dansal’ that offer food, this unique initiative provided a host of free beauty care and advisory services for both women and men, including haircuts, head massages, eyebrow shaping, facials, under-eye treatments, and skin analysis.
This event attracted over 5,000 participants who received professional grooming and skincare advice in a Vesak-themed setting.
Present at the event were Deputy Youth Affairs Minister Eranga Gunasekara, NYSC Chairman and Director-General of Youth Affairs Attorney Supun Wijerathna, MP Kaushalya Ariyarathna, Maharagama Mayor Saman Samarakoon, and Colombo Mayoral candidate Vraie Cally Balthazaar, among others.