In loving memory of Roshan Jeevananda (Jeeva)

It is with deep sorrow that I remember the passing of my dear friend, Roshan Jeevananda-fondly known as Jeeva-a former banker and dedicated development professional.

- Tilak Karunaratne

After a distinguished career, spanning 43 years, Jeeva passed away, at the age of 68, on Saturday, October 4, 2025, following a heart attack while travelling from Mullaitivu to Colombo with his wife, younger daughter, and son-in-law. He breathed his last at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital.

I first met Jeeva, in 1991, during a two-week residential training programme, titled Improve Your Business, jointly organized by the Industrial Development Board (IDB) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO). At the time, I was a Field Officer with Save the Children Norway (Redd Barna), and Jeeva was serving in a similar capacity with CARE International. We were assigned as roommates during the training, although he would often "vanish" at night-only to return early the next morning. I later learned that this was the period he was courting Damayanthi, a bank officer who would later become his wife. Even the comfort of a star-class hotel couldn't compete with the joy of spending time with her.