Career
He was a long distance runner and represented Sri Lanka during the 1960s and 70s. Karunananda represented Sri Lanka in men’s 5000 meters and 10,000 meters competitions. But Karunananda continued to run alone even after the others had finished the race.
Spectators first started to jeer at him.
But when he came around a second time, there was silence. Finally he finished the race amid cheers and applause.
Japanese reporter Haruo Suzuki was one of the first reporters to have an interview with Karunananda following the race. Instantly Japanese media started to acclaim Karunananda as a hero.
So I came here. I took part in the 10,000 metres and completed my rounds."
Karunananda"s Olympic story has been entered into Japanese school textbooks.
In 1975, Karunananda had been offered a job in Japan in appreciation of his deceased But few days before he was to leave Sri Lanka, Karunananda mysteriously died, drowning in the Namal Oya tank. Some say he died in an accident and some say he was murdered.
Some theories say that he just disappeared.
Karunananda’s wife lost her mind following her husband’s death and the family was forced onto the streets. Later one of the relatives offered to fund and take care of his family.
The Sri Lankan government did not acknowledge his legacy or look after his family.
