Acid attack victim wants new lease of life

• Sandaruwan became a victim of an acid attack on October 18, 2010 at the age of 27
• Following the incident he faced many difficulties. Sandaruwan had worked as a sports coach at a tourist hotel

The story of 37-year-old Sanjaya Sandaruwan from Wennapuwa still elicits sympathy as he struggles to reconcile with the unfortunate incident that befell upon him unexpectedly in 2010.  Sandaruwan became a victim of an acid attack on October 18, 2010 at the age of 27 as a result of a love affair he had with a neighborhood girl.  However the girl’s family hadn’t encouraged this affair.  

The acid attack is said to have been carried out by a group of four people which included the brother of the girl who had the affair. The severe injuries has left him blind, but some hope surfaced when he regained sight partially in 2015.  This was after successful corneal transplant surgeries in the years 2012, 2013 and 2015; with the operations being carried out both in Sri Lanka and India.

He also extended his gratitude to the support Dailymirror  extended in 2014 by publishing his story. This article enabled him to raise funds to pay for the surgery to his right eye. But his eyesight was not fully restored to how it was before.   Following the incident he faced many difficulties. Sandaruwan, who worked as a sports coach at a tourist hotel, had to leave his job due to his vision being impaired.  When asked if a case had been filed against the perpetrators, Sandaruwan disclosed that one had been filed in the Negombo Magistrate’s court. But the case had been put on hold for a period of three years until the court case resumed in 2017. “The perpetrators are granted bail. Still justice has not been served,” he added in a frustrated tone. He also stated that the  court case was being dragged for a long time.

Though his eyesight is partially restored and is in the continuous process of improvement, he is advised not to expose himself to sunlight and dust extensively

Though his eyesight is partially restored and is in the continuous process of improvement, he is advised not to expose himself to sunlight and dust extensively. This is because sunlight could potentially damage the eyes. “Doctors have warned me not to expose to infections and other conditions that might pose a risk to my eyesight,” he further stressed. This has made him refrain from engaging in activities that risk his eyes. At present he uses six types of eye drops to sustain his vision. “The eye drops have to be put every two hours. The eyes have to be taken care of,” he said.”  Speaking to Dailymirror , Sandaruwan said that for the medication only it cost around Rs14000 to Rs.15000 a month in addition to the consultation fee. “I am living a life that is totally contrary to the way I was before the incident,” he added.

Sandaruwan is in a situation where he cannot be employed at a private or  public firm especially outdoors. This has made him depend on his parents. The whole family depends on the meagre income that his father earns. “Currently we are in a rented house as we had to sell our own house a couple of years back to raise money for my medication,” he added.   Speaking to Dailymirror  he expressed his willingness to start a small business in the likes of a boutique or a private business at home. “I have reached a point where I cannot afford to pay my bills and so are my parents. It is due to my helplessness that I seek help from someone to assist me to set up a small boutique or to start a business at home,” he added