Most Papua New Guineans have never heard of the Sri Lanka Papua New Guinea Friendship Foundation (SLPNGFF), Yet, for over three decades, this community-led initiative has been quietly restoring sight to citizens suffering from corneal blindness—completely free of charge.
The Foundation works closely with Sri Lanka’s Eye Donation Society, where corneas are donated voluntarily through a deeply rooted cultural practice of dana—a Buddhist principle of selfless giving.
The tissues are harvested within hours of death, preserved in cold storage, and transported to Papua New Guinea in medically sealed conditions.
Once in Port Moresby, the Centre for Eye Health takes over. Patients selected are those with severe or visible eye damage, often living in silence due to the stigma of blindness.
“People with damaged corneas live not just in darkness, but in shame. Restoring their vision means restoring their place in society,” said Dr Harsha Baranage, Board Certified Consultant Physician and Secretary of the Foundation.
Over 50 successful transplants have been carried out since the first in 1990. The program has also delivered community outreach in rural PNG, including 68 cataract surgeries in Western Province last year.
“This is about giving people back their confidence, not just their eyesight,” added Dr Baranage.
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