Corporal D.M Seneviratne of 4 Gemunu Watch (GW), who lost his vision in both eyes, due to a trapping blast while he was throwing his weight behind the success of the Wanni humanitarian operations in January 2008 against terrorists, was born again to see the world, including his beloved wife for the first time in his lifetime, thanks to the magnanimity shown by none other than the Commander of the Army himself who had casually come across this visually-handicapped young soldier in the Military Hospital some time ago.
It cost the Army some Rs 8.42 million for him when Singaporean eye surgeons, conducting very sophisticated medically-defined prosthesis insertion and Eye-Osteo Odonto Keratoprosthesis surgery on his left eye brought him back the vision to see the world again, an unbelievable miracle for an ordinary soldier who would never ever could afford for a cost like this.
Singapore's National Eye Centre succeeded in offering this New Year gift to this Corporal who married a girl whom he loved so much after he became visually handicapped as both mutually agreed to do so, reminding the old adage, "love conquers all".
Records confirm that this was the first ever such surgery done on a Sri Lankan in the history of such operations at this prestigious Centre in Singapore.
Having had all his future dreams shattered, he got an artificial eye on one eye soon after the battle ordeal three years ago, but impairment of his 100% vision remained a perpetual worry to him while being confined to a bed in the Military Hospital with no plan on hand. He was twice lucky anyway because his boss, Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander of the Army during a recent visit to the hospital casually saw him and made inquiries into possibilities of fetching the much-needed sight to him, considering his plight.
Efforts of the Army Chief proved productive and successful as the Secretary Defence and Urban Development, Mr Gotabaya Rajapakse ,too gave his blessings, endorsing his support for the Army Chief'' s recommendation for his passage to Singapore, to perform the expensive surgery after swiftly allocating necessary funds.
Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya customary visit to the Military Hospital on account of the Sinhala and Hindu New Year this morning (16) with gifts to the inmates soon after the traditional New Year tea table with all ranks at the Army Headquarters premises, came the good news that this War Hero, Corporal D.M Seneviratne has just returned to the hospital for post therapeutic treatment after he regained vision. The visiting Commander made a point to see him, having heard the thrilling news of his "re-birth from gloom" and wanted to wish him further good luck and longevity.
Reborn Corporal Seneviratne during his interaction with the Commander gleefully told the Commander that for the first time in his life after marriage he saw his wife's face a few hours ago upon his return from surgery and went on thanking the Commander profusely for all what he did on his behalf bringing life back to him through vision.
Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya this morning took part in the customary New Year Tea Table and spoke to the troops at the Army Headquarters. (see his message separately). A large gathering of Senior Officers and All Ranks shared sweetmeats and refreshments with the Commander after the formal and brief ceremony.
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