The first phase of the President’s Fund programme to provide free spectacles to university students was held recently (17) at Rajarata University.
Accordingly, 316 students identified as requiring spectacles during eye examinations conducted on 19 September were provided with spectacles free of charge.
On the instructions of the President, the President’s Fund is making arrangements to extend the programme to all universities across the island. The Stroud Rotary Club in the United Kingdom and the Wish Foundation are supporting the initiative.
Addressing the event, Emeritus Professor J. R. P. Jayakody, a member of the Board of Trustees of the President’s Fund, stated that the Fund, which had been misused in the past, had been placed on a more systematic footing by the new Board of Trustees appointed following the assumption of office by the incumbent President.
He explained that, whereas applicants previously had to visit the Presidential Secretariat to obtain benefits from the Fund, the service had now been decentralised, enabling applications to be made through Divisional Secretariats. As a result, beneficiaries were able to receive assistance within two to three months. He also noted that the number of beneficiaries had increased by approximately 100% in some provinces under the new system.
Vice-Chancellor of Rajarata University, Professor Bandula Jayatilake, expressed his gratitude to the President’s Fund and its staff for selecting the university for the first phase of the programme.
He noted that although many people may require spectacles, the President’s Fund had prioritised university students because they would play a significant role in shaping the country’s future. He further emphasised that students benefiting from the programme also had an important responsibility to fulfil in return.
Senior Additional Secretary to the President and Secretary to the President’s Fund Roshan Gamage also addressed the students at the event.
Officials of the President’s Fund, university staff members and students attended the event.
