Dr. P. A. Kiriwandeniya, the founder and charismatic leader of the SANASA Movement in Sri Lanka, celebrated his 81st Birthday on 14th November 2022. He is a renowned professional who held several key positions as the Chairman, Asian Confederation of Credit Unions (ACCU), Vice-Chair of Asia and Oceania Association (AOA) of International Cooperative & Mutual Insurance Federation, Chairman of the People’s Bank, Director Regional Development Bank, and President National Institute of Cooperative Management and National Cooperative Council, of Sri Lanka. Currently, he holds director positions of several SANASA institutions as a very exemplary leader.
With the open economy introduced by the then Government, 1978 was a breakthrough year for Dr. Kiriwandeniya who founded the SANASA Movement by collaborating with 935 small cooperative societies in the rural sector. Over the years, the movement continued to grow under his leadership. His vision and his pragmatic leadership qualities resulted in the creation of SANASA Development Bank, Federation of Thrift & Credit Cooperative Societies, SANASA Campus, SANASA Insurance, SANASA Engineering and Development Company (SEDCO), SANASA Consumer Producer Alliance (SANEEPA) and several other institutions under the SANASA arm. His most recent campaign was launched earlier with the concept of “Lets Reduce Cost – Increase Income” with the aim of developing 5000 villages by introducing sustainable consumption mechanisms. To celebrate the birthday of their visionary leader, the Chairman and the Board of Directors, CEO, the Management, and the members of staff of the SANASA Life Insurance Company PLC organized series of activities to keep the momentum of Dr. Kiriwandeniya’s vision and wishing him a long & healthy life.
