Business
Turning back the clock to 20/20 vision with refractive surgeries (Lasik and Lasek)
It is no surprise that most people reduced to wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses due to visual restrictions, would love to turn back the clock to days of 20/20 vision. Without the daily hindrances of glasses or lenses, life is just that bit more freeing, enjoyable and unhampered by a constant demand.
For over 25 years now, refractive surgeries such as Lasik (Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis) and Lasek (Laser Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy), has been a place of refuge and miracle for many looking to restore their vision to its former glory. But there are still others that have not heard about these procedures, while many more lack full awareness of the process, famed for its quick results and painless nature. It should however be mentioned, that while many undergoing Lasik or Lasek achieve 20/20 vision, some still eventually might require glasses for driving at night or even reading as they age.
However, not all who want to refractive surgery qualify to receive it. Patients should be between the ages of 18 to 45 with generally healthy eyes and cornea free of disease. They are first screened thoroughly and asserted that they have suffered from stable refractive errors for atleast one year, with nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, while their cornea is also measured for thickness and structural normality. Those who are pregnant or nursing also do not qualify to refractive surgery within this period.
Refractive Surgery consists of three parts, and is performed on an “outpatient basis” on the day of the surgery. First, anesthetic eye drops are administered to numb the eye to accommodate a comfortable, painless surgery experience for the patient. The eyelids will be then be kept open by a device called a ‘speculum’, while the patient is requested to fixate his vision on a red light during the procedure.
In Lasik Surgery, a thin flap of corneal tissue is peeled off with one end of it still attached to the cornea, after which the cornea is reshaped to suit individual requirements by Excimer laser. Thereafter, excimer lasers create a cool light beam to remove microscopic amounts of tissue from the cornea to reshape it so light entering the eye focuses more accurately on the retina for improved vision. For nearsighted people, the goal is to flatten the cornea; with farsighted people, a steeper cornea is desired. Excimer lasers also can correct astigmatism by smoothing an irregular cornea into a more normal shape.
Afterwards, the cornea flap is placed back on the cornea (like a door being closed), allowing the flap to adhere to its original position within five minutes. This enables the procedure to end in just a few short minutes, and paves the way for greatly improved vision over the next days. A day of rest is generally prescribed, although it is usually recommended that one refrains from any strenuous exercise for at least a week, since this can affect healing.
For patients undergoing Lasek Surgery, generally those with a thin cornea or with pre-existing medical conditions, an alcohol solution is put onto the surface of the eye and an ultra-thin sheet is applied. This alcohol solution loosens the thin layer of cells on the eye’s surface called the epithelium. These cells then stick to the sheet, which is then gently moved to the side of the eye, giving the surgeon access to the layer of the cornea which will be treated by the laser. Generally, Lasek Surgery takes a longer period of recovery than its counterpart Lasik.
Leading private healthcare provider, Nawaloka Hospitals, operates a state-of-the-art Lasik Centre in Colombo that has so far successfully performed over 12500 successful refractive surgeries. The centre is currently the only one-stop Lasik treatment centre in the country, enabling patients to get all the diagnostic, treatment and surgery procedures completed at one location. It is operated and lead by a team of experienced and highly skilled eye surgeons and healthcare staff, aided by a fully-equipped unit fitted with the most advanced machinery and technology capable of performing extremely delicate treatments. Nawaloka Lasik Centre offers Lasik for refractive errors, Corneal Collagen Cross Linking Treatment for Keratoconus (CXL), Corneal Collagen Cross Linking Treatment with Trans Epithelial Riboflavin Solution, Topoguided PRK, Topoguided PRK with corneal collagen cross linking treatment and Lasik extra.
Two groundbreaking reports launched by the Pathfinder Foundation in collaboration with the Australian Trade and Investment Commission have laid out a practical vision for Sri Lanka’s economic future, pinpointing the mineral and clean energy sectors as twin engines for sustainable growth and investment.
The reports, unveiled on December 17 in Colombo, present actionable roadmaps for project developers and technology providers, positioning Sri Lanka as an emerging frontier in the global clean energy and critical minerals supply chain.
Key content from the minerals report:
Sri Lanka’s largely underutilised mineral sector holds significant potential, with resources increasingly vital to global industries. The country boasts high-purity graphite, rare earth elements (REEs), mineral sands, and phosphate – all critical for electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies, and high-tech manufacturing.
While current mineral exports are around USD 389 million, the International Trade Centre estimates a potential of USD 778 million, with primary data suggesting the true figure could reach USD 2 billion. To capture this value, the report stresses moving beyond exporting raw materials to domestic refining and beneficiation.
A key strategic recommendation is deeper regional collaboration, particularly under the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA). It highlights an opportunity for Sri Lanka to partner with India’s booming automotive and clean energy sectors, where demand for REEs and permanent magnets is soaring. This could involve upstream Indian investment in Sri Lankan REE resources or exports of rare earth oxides for India’s EV, wind, and electronics industries.
Key content from Clean Energy report:
Parallel to its mineral potential, Sri Lanka is pursuing an ambitious transition to clean energy, targeting carbon neutrality by 2050. The country’s renewable energy sector offers a diverse range of investment and trade opportunities for international stakeholders, spanning large-scale utility projects, distributed generation, and service-based collaborations.
Specific opportunities include utility-scale solar and wind projects, offshore wind resource mapping, and rooftop solar in urban corridors. There is also growing momentum for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to stabilise the grid, green hydrogen pilot plants, and the development of net-zero industrial parks powered entirely by renewables.
The reports highlight a powerful synergy: Sri Lanka’s minerals are essential for the very clean technologies it seeks to deploy. For instance, its phosphate can be used in lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, while its high-purity quartz is vital for solar-grade silicon.
Australia is identified as a key partner in both sectors. Australian Mining Equipment, Technology, and Services (METS) firms can provide cutting-edge, sustainable mining technology, while Australian expertise in smart grids, BESS, and green hydrogen aligns with Sri Lanka’s long-term energy strategy.
While outlining vast potential, the reports also acknowledge challenges, including regulatory complexities, infrastructure gaps, and the need for enhanced skills development. Proposed solutions include modernising approval processes, developing a national critical minerals strategy, and fostering public-private partnerships.
The consensus from keynote speakers at the event – including Pathfinder Foundation Chairman Bernard Goonetilleke, Australian High Commissioner Matthew Duckworth, and senior representatives from academia, government, and Austrade – was clear. Their collective insight underscored the reports’ central thesis: Sri Lanka is presented with a unique, synergistic opportunity. By strategically developing its mineral wealth and accelerating its clean energy transition in tandem, the nation can attract significant foreign investment, create high-value jobs, and secure a competitive position in the Indo-Pacific’s sustainable economic future.
By Sanath Nanayakkare ✍️
The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Prime Lands and Prime Land Residencies to provide up to 100% financing for customers purchasing condominium units or gated houses developed by the Prime Group, demonstrating the Bank’s unwavering commitment to empowering more Sri Lankans to achieve their dream of home ownership.
The agreement enables prospective homeowners to seamlessly access Commercial Bank’s home loan facilities with tripartite agreements involving the developer, the buyer and the Bank. As the market leader in home loans, Commercial Bank brings unmatched expertise and flexibility to borrowers seeking to invest in properties developed by one of Sri Lanka’s most trusted names in real estate.
Commenting on the partnership, S. Ganeshan, Deputy General Manager – Personal Banking at Commercial Bank said: “This agreement with Prime Lands and Prime Land Residencies creates an excellent opportunity for us to expand our housing loan portfolio while enabling more Sri Lankans to realise one of their life goals. Commercial Bank’s strong home loan offering, combined with Prime Group’s reputation as a leading developer, ensures customers benefit from both financial strength and quality of construction.”
The Prime Group, which positions itself as the leader of real estate artistry in Sri Lanka, comprises subsidiaries associated with lands, houses, finance and condominiums. With over 30 years of trust and excellence and a base of more than 300,000 customers, the Group says it is driven by its evergreen vision: ‘Committed to Creating a Better Place on Earth,’ which continues to inspire its passion to deliver homes that bring customers’ dreams to life.
Mahogany Masterpieces, a Sri Lankan luxury furniture brand, has launched the “An Ode to Grain” collection. This showcase honors mahogany’s natural beauty and the brand’s craftsmanship. The philosophy is to let the wood’s grain guide the design, creating timeless pieces that respect the material. The collection includes new architectural elements like architraves, paneling, and corbels, designed to bring lasting warmth and character to interiors.
Visitors can view the full collection at the Mahogany Masterpieces Showroom and Design Studio which is located at No. 87, Dr. Lester James Peiris Mawatha (Dickman’s Road), Colombo – 05. www.mahoganymasterpieces.com
Financial contributions received for ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund
UNICEF representatives and PM discuss rebuilding schools affected by the Disaster
A few showers may occur in the Uva province and in Ampara, Batticaloa, Matale, Nuwara-Eliya, and Hambantota districts
NMRA laboratory lacks SLAB accreditation
Air quality deteriorating in Sri Lanka
Cardinal urges govt. not to weaken key socio-cultural institutions
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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