Death of People's Bank, People's Leasing and Finance PLC Chairman W. Karunajeewa

The death occurred of Chairman of People's Bank and People's Leasing and Finance PLC, W. Karunajeewa last morning . Mr. Karunajeewa who was 66 at the time of death, assumed duties as People's Bank Chairman in 2007.

Karunajeewa received his primary education at Bowala Maha Vidyalaya and Dharmaraja College, Kandy, before obtaining 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 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 Working Director of the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation, later becoming the Chairman.

In 2005, Karunajeewa was appointed the Chairman of the Employees Trust Fund (ETF) and later People's Bank Chairman in 2007.

The exemplary and visionary leadership of W. Karunajeewa contributed towards the expansion and current position of the 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. Mr. Karunajeewa was the beloved husband of Mrs. Kusum Karunajeewa and loving father of Indika Karunajeewa and Ms. Dilini Karunaajeewa. Cortege leaves residence - U/2/1,Anderson Flats, Colombo 5 on January 31, 2013 at 3 pm for cremation at the Borella Cemetery .