People's Bank Chairman passes away

Chairman of People's Bank and People's Leasing and Finance PLC, W. Karunajeewa, passed away this morning (29).

W. Karunajeewa

Karunajeewa, who was 66 years of age at the time of death, assumed duties as the Chairman of People's Bank in 2007.

Karunajeewa obtained a Degree in Commerce from the University of Peradeniya. Subsequently he began his career in teaching.

In keeping with his progressive beliefs, Karunajeewa embarked on a career in politics by joining the Sri Lanka Freedom Party.

He was appointed as the Administrative Secretary of the party by then Prime Minister, Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranaike in 1973. Accordingly he held many posts as a member of the party.

In 1987, Karunajeewa took oaths as an Attorney-at-Law. In 1997 he was appointed as the Working Director of the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation, later becoming the Chairman.

In 2005 Karunajeewa was appointed as the Chairman of the Employees Trust Fund (ETF) and later Chairman of People's Bank in 2007. The exemplary and visionary leadership of W. Karunajeewa has contributed towards the expansion and current position of People's Bank, one of the leading state banks in the local economy.

While serving the bank with dedication and dynamism, Karunajeewa also assumed duties as the Chairman of People's Leasing Group of Companies.

His outstanding service and contribution rendered towards developing People's Bank, its subsidiaries and the local banking fraternity was recognized by the Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka, which awarded him with an Honorary Fellowship in 2010. Funeral will be held today.