Cataract surgery camp on Poson Poya Day

• Dr Gunawardana singlehandedly performed 257 phacoemulsification surgeries (cataract removal and intraocular lens implantation) from 5:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on June 10

On the sacred occasion of Poson Full Moon Poya Day, a remarkable cataract surgery camp was held at the Kuliyapitiya Teaching Hospital, led by Consultant Ophthalmologist Dr. Kasun Gunawardana.  
In an extraordinary display of dedication and skill, Dr Gunawardana singlehandedly performed 257 phacoemulsification surgeries (cataract removal and intraocular lens implantation) from 5:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on June 10, 2025. This exceptional achievement sets a new record for the highest number of phacoemulsification surgeries performed by a single surgeon in a single day — the highest ever recorded in both Sri Lanka and globally.   
The success of this camp was made possible through the generous support of the hospital administration and a few private donors, alongside the tireless efforts of the hospital staff. Due to the absence of functional facilities for cataract surgery over the past six months at Kuliyapitiya Teaching Hospital, essential equipment was sourced from Base Hospital Marawila and Base Hospital Dambadeniya.   
Doctors, nurses, junior staff, and administrative personnel of the hospital and ophthalmology unit worked diligently for several days to support the initiative and ensure its smooth execution.