The Northern Province is leading in eye healthcare initiatives in Sri Lanka. In that context, the ‘Rural Life of Light’ programme, which commenced today in Kilinochchi, is set to become a new model for the entire country, said the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan.
The inaugural ceremony of the ‘Rural Life of Light’ programme—designed to improve eye health among the people of the Northern Province along with a special training workshop for health officials, was successfully held today – on Friday, 24 April 2026, at the main auditorium of the Office of the Regional Director of Health Services, Kilinochchi.
Addressing the event as the Chief Guest, the Hon. Governor further stated:
The Northern Province has now reached a new milestone in the field of eye surgery in Sri Lanka. It is only in the Northern Province that the waiting list for eye surgeries stands at ‘zero’. Attracted by the high-quality services in our province, even people from other provinces come here to undergo surgeries. This is a great honor for our province.
Behind this remarkable achievement lies the immense dedication of ophthalmologist Dr. M. Malaravan. Supporting him is Dr. V. Sarveswaran. Since the end of the war, both have been providing various medical services to our people, and they are the pillars of this new programme. It is a matter of great happiness that, this initiative has commenced in Kilinochchi through their voluntary efforts.
In the Kilinochchi District, 21 villages have been selected in the first phase of this programme. The full cooperation of the health sector is essential for its successful implementation. Everyone must act with the spirit of dedication that “we serve for our people.” The central Ministry of Health has also appreciated these pioneering efforts.
As part of this programme, special training workshops for health officers were conducted in two phases to enable early detection and treatment of eye diseases among rural populations.
During the event, ophthalmologist surgeon Dr. M. Malaravan of the Jaffna Teaching Hospital explained the objectives and technical aspects of the programme.
Also present at the event were Secretary of the Northern Provincial Ministry of Health, Mrs. P. Jeyarani; Regional Director of Health Services – Kilinochchi, Dr. C. Seralathan; Additional District Secretary of Kilinochchi, Mrs. Nalayini Inparaj; along with medical specialists, health officials, and staff.
