Sunday Times 2
Japanese FM’s Commendation awarded to Sri Lanka Eye Donation Society
View(s):A Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation was presented to Sri Lanka Eye Donation Society by Mr Mizukoshi Hideaki, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka on September 6, at Studio 3, Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, Colombo 7. The ceremony was part of the special TV programme commemorating J R Jayewardene’s historic speech at the San Francisco Peace treaty 71 years ago.
Sri Lanka Eye Donation Society (SLEDS) was established in 1955 under the strong leadership of late-President J R Jayewardene who built a 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 recognising the Sri Lanka Eye Donation Society’s earnest work towards its citizens and endorsing the strong friendship of the two nations, the Government of Japan has extended both grants and technical assistance. The FM’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.