October 11, Colombo (LNW): More than 1,000 students at the University of Ruhuna have received eye examinations and hearing assessments under a government-backed initiative designed to remove healthcare barriers to higher education.
The second stage of the President’s Fund programme took place on Saturday (10), giving students the opportunity to have their vision checked and choose spectacle frames where needed. Those identified as requiring glasses are expected to receive them free of charge within a month.
The scheme is being implemented with support from the Stroud Rotary Club and the Wish Foundation, with the aim of helping university students access essential vision care without facing additional financial pressure.
The programme began at Rajarata University, where 600 students benefited during its first phase. Its expansion to Ruhuna marks a further step towards reaching students across the country.
Roshan Gamage, Senior Additional Secretary to the President and Secretary to the President’s Fund, said the initiative would eventually be rolled out to every university in Sri Lanka under the President’s direction.
University of Ruhuna Vice-Chancellor Senior Professor P.A. Jayantha welcomed the initiative, noting that good health and proper eyesight play an important role in students’ ability to learn and perform academically. He said the provision of free spectacles could help students overcome vision-related difficulties and participate more effectively in their studies.
The planned nationwide expansion is expected to extend the benefits of the scheme to a wider student population, with particular emphasis on identifying and addressing vision problems that may otherwise interfere with university life.
