A free eye clinic and spectacles distribution programme for visually impaired persons from low-income families was held at the Kelaniya Divisional Secretariat premises today (16), under the patronage of Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Upali Pannila.
The programme forms part of a nationwide initiative to provide free eye examinations and spectacles to 22,500 visually impaired persons aged over 40 from low-income families during 2026.
According to the Ministry, the programme is being implemented by the National Secretariat for Persons with Disabilities, covering all administrative districts across Sri Lanka.
The Government has also made arrangements to provide financial assistance of Rs. 50,000 per person to visually impaired children below the age of 18 for the purchase of spectacles.
Meanwhile, Rs. 21 million has been allocated for 2026 to provide spectacles and other assistive devices required by persons with disabilities.
Addressing the event, Minister Dr. Upali Pannila said the initiative aims to improve the quality of life of visually impaired individuals by making reading, daily activities and employment easier.
He further stated that services provided through the President’s Fund have been decentralised to the Divisional Secretariat level, allowing people requiring assistance to access them more conveniently.
The Minister also revealed that a special programme to provide free spectacles to university students has been launched. (Newswire)
