A special program organized by the Organ Transplant Unit of Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital in commemoration of National Organ Donation Day was held at the Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, today (18) with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
National Organ Donation Day is observed annually on February 18, and this year marks the seventh consecutive commemoration of this significant occasion.
As part of the program, the Prime Minister paid tribute to organ donors by lighting a ceremonial lamp at the memorial plaque dedicated to them within the hospital premises.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:
"I extend my sincere appreciation to Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital for organizing this meaningful program to mark National Organ Donation Day. This event serves as a source of solace for the families of those who have selflessly donated their organs. I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the donors and their families for their invaluable contribution."
"Donating the organs of a patient who can no longer survive to another patient in need is an act of humanity. A single brain-dead individual has the potential to save up to eight lives. Families who make the courageous decision to donate the organs of their loved ones in such circumstances deserve immense gratitude. I extend my appreciation to these families for their remarkable compassion and wisdom in making such selfless choices. Through their generosity, many lives have been saved, and they can take solace in the fact that their loved ones continue to live on in others."
"Organ donation is deeply valued within our culture and religious traditions. Generosity and selflessness are integral aspects of our national identity as Sri Lankans. Time and again, in moments of crisis or natural disasters, we have witnessed the unity and charitable nature of our people. This spirit of compassion must be safeguarded and honored, as it is a defining strength of our nation."
"Over the past few years, Sri Lanka has become the leading country in the world for eye donations. Additionally, a significant number of individuals in our country contribute to organ and tissue donation. This noble practice must be further developed through proper legislative frameworks and ethical guidelines. It must never be commercialized. I assure you that the relevant ministries will take proactive steps to institutionalize and strengthen this process at the national level. Our government is committed to introducing a structured approach and ensuring necessary regulations are in place to uphold the integrity of organ donation."
"I extend my deepest gratitude to the medical professionals, hospital staff, and, most importantly, the organ donors and their families. Their contributions have granted others a second chance at life, and for that, they deserve the highest recognition and respect."
As part of the event, memorial plaques and tokens of appreciation were presented to the families of organ donors in recognition of their invaluable contributions.
The event was attended by Members of Parliament, including Devananda Suraweera, Secretary to the Ministry of Health Dr. Anil Jasinghe, members of the Board of Directors of Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, as well as doctors, nurses, and hospital staff.
