Athlete Karunananda kept Sri Lanka’s flag flying at Tokyo Olympics Daily News (via HT Media Ltd.) R. J. K. Karunananda who was more popularly known among his admirers as Ranatunge Karunananda developed his talents as an athlete after joining the Sri Lanka Army. He reached National level while coming third in the 5,000m race at the National Track and Field Championships in 1957. He was again placed third in the same event in 1962. In a determined effort to win the National Championship he won the 5,000m race in 1963 in 15 minutes and 18.2 seconds.
‘Karu’ who won the event while serving as a Corporal in the First Regiment of the Sri Lanka Army, did not stop at that.