Two similar China-aided programs, which saw 450 more cataract surgeries, supported by the Lions Clubs of Shenzhen and Sichuan province, have followed.

Abeysekera also said that the Yunnan Provincial People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries intends to conduct 300 more cataract surgeries next January.

Grateful patients expressed their delight and relief over their eyesight being restored. Speaking at the ceremony on May 17, a patient named Sultan from Kinniya in Eastern Province said that he had been losing his sight for over five years and had been waiting for treatment. Mohommad from Trincomalee, also in Eastern Province, said that he initially visited his local hospital where he was notified of the program. He expressed his gratitude for the surgery.

Sri Lanka's health sector has been seriously affected by the worst economic crisis experienced by the island nation in recent times and many patients, especially those who had been on waiting lists for various surgeries, have been severely impacted.

The writer, Chief Editor of www.srilankamirror.com, contributes this report to China Daily.