Charlesly Karunendran Kunanayagam has a special place in the hearts of bankers in Sri Lanka.
Charlie joined the Bank of Ceylon at the age of 20, in 1954, as a clerk. While working as a bank clerk, he followed a science degree course offered by the University of London. Through his dedication and academic and professional achievements, he rose to the level of Assistant General Manager, a position he held until his retirement.
Charlie excelled in all areas of banking, while specialising in credit administration and documentation. He was instrumental in giving the bank a sound credit culture. He also played an important role in the reorganisation of the bank and decentralising its administration to district levels.
He was the first district manager of the Jaffna District, from 1978 to 1981, under the decentralised administration. This was a prime period for Charlie and the Jaffna district. The bank extended financial assistance to businessmen in the area and helped many entrepreneurs to emerge from Jaffna.
He worked as a loans officer at the Bank of Ceylon head office and trained a number of future managers in the art of good lending. As manager of outstation bank branches, he built a strong customer base and helped build the bank’s image in other parts of the country. He introduced credit modules for appraising credit facilities. He was a guru to many bankers who are in high positions today.
He was firm, and astute in decision making. He handled issues and problems with tact and a smile. Everyone who worked with him would attest to his simplicity, humility and sweetness of manner.
He actively participated in trade union activities and held several positions in the Bank Employees Union and Staff Officers Association.
Charlie was also a dedicated member of the Lions Club, extending his services beyond banking to social upliftment.
I had the privilege of knowing Charlie for more than 30 years. I was impressed by the way he and his wife led their life and brought up their children. They were two joy-giving people who loved life more than most people I know.
Charlie was prompt and clear in everything he did, and he was utterly selfless. His endearing qualities earned him scores of friends.
He was also deeply religious, and worked in the service of God.
To think this gentleman par excellence is no more pricks the heart. The vacuum he has left among his friends cannot be filled. His wife, children and friends know that he is now in the embrace of God.
R. Nadarajah |
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