Sanath JayasuriyaPhoto © AFP
Sri Lanka came, saw, but could not conquer as South Africa wrapped up the third and final Test at SuperSport Park. Many South Africans will remember the Sri Lankans for the entertainment they provided, playing before near capacity crowds wherever they went. Two South Africans however will remember the Sri Lankans, and especially their captain Sanath Jayasuriya, for the rest of their lives.
On arrival at Johannesburg International Airport in December, Jayasuriya handed over a well-protected parcel to an eye specialist who sped off to Pretoria to prepare two patients for cornea transplants the following day. The corneas had been donated by the people of Sri Lanka and couriered to South Africa by the team.
On Monday, the last day of the final Test, Jayasuriya was on hand to meet the two patients, recovering from successful transplants, to receive their thanks for his part and to the organization that made the donation possible. They also handed the captain gifts to take back home with him.
Jayasuriya who is also a United Nations Ambassador for Aids Awareness in Sri Lanka said that apart from the cricket they brought to South Africa he felt that he could not have given them anything better than the restoration of sight to the two people. To the two patients the small humble Sri Lankan stands as a giant amongst men.
Sri Lanka have donated between 30,000 to 40,000 cornea implants to the rest of the world. According to Jayasuriya it is commonplace for Sri Lankans to donate their eyes for use after they have passed away.