Vision for those in need – Jetwing Hotels and Rotary Club of Colombo West sponsor cataract surgeries

Saturday, 8 September 2012 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

It is believed that approximately one quarter of Sri Lanka’s population requires vision correction services which cannot be afforded by the majority due to the high costs involved with eye care services, treatments and purchasing of spectacles. As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), it is estimated that there are between 93,000-150,000 individual persons affected by blindness in Sri Lanka, the leading cause of which are cataracts – found amongst 70% of the visually impaired.

Jetwing Hotels has long believed that tourism cannot exist in isolation and only works well when there is a close, intimate relationship with the local community. On the 16 August, Jetwing Hotels sponsored 52 cataract surgeries for underprivileged persons from Negombo and Deraniyagala which were held at the Vijaya Kumaratunga Memorial Hospital in Seeduwa in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Colombo West. The surgeries were conducted by Dr. Shamintha Amaratunge, one of Sri Lanka’s leading eye surgeons.

“The Rotary Club of Colombo West is 52 years old with a membership close to 90, comprising of top business leaders and professionals. We conduct projects worth millions every year for the underprivileged and this year we are glad to associate ourselves with Jetwing Hotels for our annual cataract project,” said Rotary Club of Colombo West President Sebastian Karunarakan.

Jetwing Hotels Director –Operations in Negombo Jerome Auvity praised the initiative shown by the Rotary Club, as well as allowing Jetwing the opportunity to further strengthen ties with the community. “This island would be nowhere if not for the people, and it has always been our duty to help them keep the smile that they are known for around the world. The Rotary Club of Colombo West is certainly doing a very good job, and we are thankful and proud to be associated with such a worthy cause,” he said.

The surgeries were sponsored by the Jetwing hotels in Negombo, which comprises of Jetwing Beach, Jetwing Blue, Jetwing Sea, Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions and the recently opened Jetwing Lagoon. The project was initiated by the Rotary Club of Colombo West, who were also involved with delivering the lenses required for the cataract surgeries. Family owned and in the tourism industry for the past 39 years, Jetwing Hotels has surpassed expectation at every aspect. Building on their foundation of being passionate, as well as the experience of true, traditional Sri Lankan hospitality, constantly pioneering discoveries captures the essence of the brand. Such a strong statement and direction have enabled Jetwing Hotels to imagine, create and manage marvels and masterpieces, where distinctive design and elegant comfort complement each other and the environment. Considered a priority, sustainable and responsible practice is implemented through the award winning Jetwing Eternal Earth Programme; with energy efficiency, community upliftment, and education of earth saving measures to schoolchildren being a few tenets of the program.