President gifts corneas to China
[Monday, February 26, 2007 - 10.40 GMT]    

President Mahinda began a six-day State Visit to China today by gifting corneas from Sri Lanka to the Government of China, as the first official event of his visit.

The State Visit marks 50 years of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the People's Republic of China.

In gifting the corneas from Sri Lankan eye donors, specially flown to China, President Rajapaksa said that in keeping with Buddhist tradition, the donation of organs was considered a very noble act.

Sri Lanka has so far donated corneas to give sight to more than 50,000 persons in 117 cities in 57 countries. China is the 58th country to receive corneas from Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lanka Eye Donation Society and the Red Cross Society of China are expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding tomorrow (Feb 27) with regard the exchange of human corneas.


   

 

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Last Updated Date: February 26, 2007 - 10.40 GMT