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In recognition of the outstanding humanitarian
services rendered by Mr. P.A. Kiriwandieniya as the
leader of the SANASA Movement to uplift the living
conditions of the rural poor over a period of 23
years, the University of Ruhuna has confered the
Doctorate of Philosophy Honoris Causa at the
convocation held on 16th November 2001.
Mr. Kiriwandeniya had worked relentlessly to
rejuvenate the SANASA movement which is the oldest
co-operative system in Sri Lanka, dating back to the
year 1906 when the 1st SANASA Society was formed.
He resuscitated a virtually dying movement in the
year 1978 and the outcome of his commitment was seen
in the phenomenal growth of SANASA in respect of the
number of members and the societies and the growth
in total assets since then.
His broad vision in developing the SANASA movement
saw its culmination in the establishment of the
SANASA Development Bank in 1997, which is a licensed
specialized bank established under the Banking Act
by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
Dr Kiriwandeniya was also unanimously elected the
President of the Banking Association of the
International Co-operative Association (ICA, Asia
-Pacific Region), so far, the only Sri Lankan to be
appointed to this prestigious post. He is also the
vice chairman of ICBA (International Co-operative
Banking Association).
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