This is compared with the 5,000 new additions a year to the list of patients with chronic kidney disease requiring transplantation.

Most of these patients are from low income families and are unable to find a kidney suitable for transplantation, said Dr. Hewage.

Relatives could agree do donate the kidneys and other organs of someone found to be brain-dead, he said.

Also, anyone agreeing to donate their kidney before reaching 65 years of age is welcome, said Dr. Hewage.

The transplantation is done free of charge under the free health service, according to him.

Expectant donors are requested to contact the Institute on telephone no. 0112422334/35/36, or via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..