ri Lanka is the world’s biggest cornea donor! In the heart of the picturesque island nation of Sri Lanka, a unique and compassionate tradition has taken root—one that transcends borders and brings the gift of sight to the world. With over a million registered donors, Sri Lanka has turned eye donation into a virtuous act, extending its generosity far beyond its shores.
For decades, this small country has been a beacon of hope for those in need of corneal transplants, a vital procedure to restore vision. The transparent covering of the iris and pupil, the cornea, plays a crucial role in focusing images on the retina. Yet, the global demand for corneas far surpasses the available supply. Amid this shortage, Sri Lanka stands as an exceptional contributor, driven not by reward but by the spirit of altruism.
Paramon Malingam, a fortunate soul, shares his story of two accidents that could have left him sightless. Thanks to the swift availability of a donor cornea, Malingam’s vision was salvaged, and he now stands on the path of recovery at Colombo’s main eye hospital. “After the surgery, I was reborn to the world,” he declares with gratitude.
The act of donating eyes in Sri Lanka is more than a selfless act; it’s a pledge that echoes through generations. Viswani Pasadi, a student, fills out a form at the National Eye Bank, committing to donate her eyes upon her passing. Rooted in Buddhist beliefs, she sees this act as an investment in her future, envisioning better vision in her next life.
The Eye Donation Society, founded in 1961, reveals that one in five Sri Lankans has pledged to donate their corneas. This eagerness has positioned the country as a net exporter of corneas, providing surplus to more than 50 countries worldwide. The late Hudson Silva, a driving force behind this generosity, initiated the process in 1964, symbolically packing corneas in an ice-filled thermos flask and hand-delivering them to countries in need.
Buddhist monks, integral to the cultural fabric of Sri Lanka, play a vital role in encouraging donations. Inspired by ancient stories from the Jataka, the venerable Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thero recounts tales of generosity, illustrating the profound impact of such acts on future lives. Thero himself exemplifies this spirit by donating a kidney to a woman in need.
Despite religious differences, Sri Lanka’s corneas have reached Muslim countries, where traditional beliefs may limit organ donation. Pakistan and Egypt, among others, have benefited, emphasizing the universal impact of this humanitarian gesture.
Surprisingly, the removal of eyes in Sri Lanka does not pose a challenge for those desiring open-casket funerals. Jayaratne Funerals, in Colombo, adeptly manages eyeless corpses, ensuring a respectful farewell for loved ones. This nuanced approach reflects the cultural sensitivity embedded in the country’s unique donation culture.
In contrast, the United Kingdom faces a shortage of corneas, with imports predominantly sourced from other European countries or the US. Stringent quality and safety standards guide these transactions, underscoring the importance of compliance.
As the world grapples with the scarcity of corneas, Sri Lanka’s benevolence shines as a beacon of hope. In this island nation, the act of giving transcends the boundaries of life and death, offering the gift of sight to those in need and leaving an indelible mark on the global landscape of organ donation.
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