Karunajeewa's death, loss to country - President

The death of People's Bank and People's Leasing Ltd chairman W Karunajeewa is an irreparable loss to the country, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said.

President Rajapaksa in a condolence message said: "W Karunajeewa rendered a praiseworthy service to Sri Lanka as well as to the Sri Lanka Freedom Party. After his education at Bowala MV and Dharmaraja Vidyalaya, Kandy and graduating in Economics from the Peradeniya University, Karunajeewa, who was a pioneer in setting up an SLFP branch at the university with the late Monty Gopallawa, began his professional career as a teacher at Peradeniya Central College. He later served the party as a private coordinating officer of the late Hector Kobbekaduwa.

"He was appointed Administrative Secretary of the SLFP in 1973 by the late Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike. After his victory at the Kandy Municipal Council in 1979, he was appointed a councillor until 1982. When the party was to be split in to two in 1980, Karunajeewa stood firm despite opposition. He did not possess any personal agendas but directed the party towards victory.

"After taking oaths as an Attorney-at-Law in 1987, he served the country as the Fisheries Corporation chairman and later as the Employees Trust Fund director. He was also the chairman of the People's Bank.

"His services as chairman is praiseworthy and commendable. His opinions were very encouraging. While expressing my deepest sympathies to his bereaved family including his wife Kusum and children Indika and Dilini, I wish him the eternal bliss of Nibbana."