Dr. P.A. Kiriwandeniya

Comprehensive Profile with Detailed Positions

Dr. P.A. Kiriwandeniya’s lifelong dedication to cooperative and rural development has positioned him as a visionary leader. By integrating modern strategies into traditional systems, he has significantly contributed to alleviating poverty, promoting financial inclusion, and fostering sustainable development at both national and international levels. His work in transforming SANASA into a global model of cooperative success underscores his profound impact on the cooperative sector.

Current Engagements and Representation

National:

  • Chancellor, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka (2023–present).
  • Chairman, SANASA Federation of Sri Lanka.
  • Chairman/Managing Director, SANASA Campus Limited.
  • Board Director, National Cooperative Council (NCC).

International:

  • Vice Chairman/Director, Asia and Oceania Association (AOA).

Key Contributions by Sector
Cooperative Sector in Sri Lanka

Development of SANASA Movement (1977–present):

  • Unified and rebranded the thrift and credit union system into SANASA in 1977.
  • Expanded SANASA into 6,500 active primary societies with 20,000 employees
    and 3.3 million members.

Key Positions Held:

  • Director, Sri Lanka Institute of Co-operative Management (1987–1989).
  • President, National Cooperative Council of Sri Lanka (1987–1989).
  • Adviser to the President of Sri Lanka on Microfinance (2007).
  • Director, Samurdhi Authority of Sri Lanka (2013–2014).
  • o Member, Gramashakthi Advisory Committee (2015).
  • Member, Samurdhi National Council (2015–2018).

Banking Sector in Sri Lanka

Founding SANASA Development Bank (SDB):

  • Established SDB in 1997, pioneering financial solutions for small and medium
    industries and rural development.

Key Positions Held:

  • Chairman, People’s Bank (2005–2007).
  • Board Member, People’s Bank (1987–1989).
  • Director, Sabaragamuwa Regional Development Bank (1987–1989).

Insurance Sector in Sri Lanka

Founder of SANASA Life and General Insurance PLC (1991):

  • Initiated as the ALMAO program for disaster coverage, which evolved into
    SANASA Insurance.

Education Sector in Sri Lanka

Founder and Leader in Education:

  • Established SANASA Campus, offering UGC-recognized degrees in cooperative
    studies, banking, and development.

Key Positions Held:

  • Assistant Teacher, Education Department of Sri Lanka (1965–1972).
  • External Lecturer, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
  • Director, Development Education, Sarvodaya Movement (1972–1975).
  • Deputy Coordinator, National Heritage Program, Sri Lanka (1976–1977).

Cooperative Sector – International Contributions

Leadership in International Cooperative Development:

  • Consultant, Canadian Cooperative Association (1985–1995).
  • Field Director, Sri Lanka-Australian Community Aid Abroad (1978–1990).
  • Consultant, International Affairs, Canadian Cooperative Association (1990–
    1997).
  • Research Officer, International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) (1977–1978).
  • President, Asian Confederation of Credit Unions, Bangkok (1990–1991).
  • Delegate for Asia, World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) (1986).

Personal and Educational Background

  • Full Name: Podi Appuhamy Kiriwandeniya.
  • Date of Birth: November 14, 1941.
  • Education: Bachelor of Arts (Social Science), Vidyodaya University, 1965.

Awards and Recognitions

  • Honorary Doctor of Philosophy, University of Ruhuna.
  • Presidential Vishwaprasadini Award.
  • “Sabaragamu Sarasavi Keerthi Sri” Award, University of Sabaragamuwa , Sri Lanka
  • “Sri Jayawrdhanapura Pradeepa Pranama”, University of Sri Jaywardenapura, Sri Lanka
  • Goodwill Ambassador, Sri Lanka United Nations Friendship Organization.

Countries of Work Experience

  • India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Singapore, Nepal, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Ghana, Malaysia,
    Korea, China, Thailand, Taiwan, Iran, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Cameroon, Philippines, Japan,
    USA, Switzerland, Netherlands, Sweden, New Zealand, Africa, Canada, Australia,
    Belgium, Mongolia , Colombia , Buthan & German .

For further inquiries, he can be contacted at kiriwandeniya.p.a@gmail.com or +94 773 633 000.

Past Chancellors

Designation
Period of Service
Pandith W D Amaradeva
09/2002 – 09/2007
Prof. Lakshman Jayathilake
01/2008 – 04/2013
Deshabandu Prof. Tuley De Silva
04/2013 - 2023