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W. Karunajeewa (10 September 1946 - 29 January 2013) was a Sri Lankan banker, political activist and attorney-at-law. He served as the Chairman of People's Bank (Sri Lanka) from 2007 and as Chairman of associated group companies including People’s Leasing Company PLC, People’s Leasing Fleet Management Limited, and People’s Leasing Property Development Limited. Prior to joining People’s Bank, Karunajeewa was Chairman of Sri Lanka’s Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF) and the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation. He received an Honorary Fellowship from the Institute of Bankers in Sri Lanka in 2010.

Early life and education
W. Karunajeewa was born on 10 September 1946 in Kamburugamuwa, a town within the Matara district. His family then moved to the Kandy district to pursue business interests. Karunajeewa initially schooled at the Bowala Maha Vidyalaya before entering Dharmaraja College, Kandy for his Advanced Level education. Upon the completion of his secondary education, Karunajeewa entered the University of Ceylon, Peradeniya in June 1965 and graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1969. He later took oaths as an Attorney-at-Law in 1987.

Political career
Karunajeewa became involved in Sri Lankan politics during his time at university in Peradeniya. During this period, he was more aligned with the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and was actively involved in party activities in the Kandy and Matale districts. During this period, he also addressed SLFP pocket meetings in association with budding future politicos such as Hector Kobbekaduwa, Monty Gopallawa, and Anurudhdha Ratwatte. Along with Monty Gopallawa and others, Karunajeewa established the first SLFP student party within the University.

After graduating in 1969, Karunajeewa then passed the General Clerical Service exam and worked in Colombo as a Postal Department clerk. He then joined the Peradeniya Central School as a teacher. In 1971, he started training as an officer cadet for the Sri Lanka Army; however, following the 1971 JVP Insurrection, this training course was terminated.

Following the Insurrection, Karunajeewa served as the public relations officer for Hector Kobbekaduwa, the former Minister of Agriculture and Lands. During this period Karunajeewa was a key organiser of rallies supporting land reform. He later joined the Land Reform Commission as Director for Nuwara Eliya. Karunajeewa worked with a host of politicians during this time, which led to his appointment as the Administrative Secretary of the SLFP in 1973 on the invitation of former Prime Minister, Sirimavo Bandaranaike. He held this post till May 1981.

In 1979, Karunajeewa was elected as a member of the Kandy Municipal Council. However, following the division of the SLFP in 1981, Karunajeewa made a decision to not stand for elected public office positions. He then joined the Sri Lanka Law College, qualified as an attorney-at-law in 1987, and started his legal career. During this period, he was a founding member of the Peradeniya University Alumni Association and also helped create the Colombo Chapter of the organisation.

He also supported SLFP candidates including Sirimavo Bandaranaike with their election efforts during this period. Karunajeewa was a close supporter of the current President of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksa, helping him with several initiatives such as his ‘Pada Yatra’ movement and supporting him organise several election campaigns.

Leadership roles
Karunajeewa served as a Working Director at the Employees’ Trust Fund of Sri Lanka from January 1995 to June 1996. He then served as a Working Director at the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation from July 1996 to October 2000, following which he was appointed Chairman of the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation from October 2000 to December 2001. He then returned to the Employees’ Trust Fund as Chairman, and served the organisation from December 2005 till May 2007.

Chairman of People’s Bank Karunajeewa was appointed Chairman of People’s Bank of Sri Lanka in July 2007. He went on to serve as Chairman in several of the firms within the group including People’s Finance PLC, People’s Leasing Fleet Management Limited, People’s Leasing Property Development Limited, People’s Leasing Havelock Properties Limited and People’s Microfinance Limited. Karunajeewa served in these positions till the time of his death in January 2013.

Honours
In honour of his service and contribution towards People’s Bank and its subsidiaries, the Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka awarded an Honorary Fellowship to Karunajeewa in 2010.

Personal life
Karunajeewa married Kusum, whom he met while at university in Peradeniya, in 1974. They had a son and daughter together. At the time of his death in January 2013, Karunajeewa was 66 years old and was residing in the Anderson Flat complex in Colombo 5.