You can bequeath a golden heart!

This is where he found true happiness: Ian Kiru Karan with his wife, Barbara, at a 2018 summer event in the Hamburg Harbour 

– Pic by Sybill Schneider

June 2007: Hamburg Mayor Ole von Beust awards Karan the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany – Pic by Angerer Krafft

 With wife Barbara, daughter Navina and son Niclas at the Night of Legends 2016 at Schmidts Tivoli – Pic by Vistapress

• Lankan-born Senator, benefactor, self-made multi-millionaire Ian Kiru Karan turns 80

Sri Lankan born Senator, benefactor and self-made multi-millionaire in Hamburg, Germany, Ian Kiru Karan, recently turned 80. Given his interesting rags to riches story, we reproduce a translated version of an article which first appeared in ALFRED DRAXLER in June this year.

“The world is my home, Hamburg is my hometown.” These words are printed on the invitation card of Ian Kiru Karan, who will celebrate his 80th birthday at the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce this upcoming Monday. He is one of Hamburg’s most famous and charming men. And nothing could exemplify his zest for life better than the above saying.

Kiru was born in Ceylon, present day Sri Lanka. His mother tragically died while giving birth, his father, a soldier, died three years later. At the age of 16, he was awarded a sports scholarship that brought him to London. He did not finish his studies in economics, life was simply too beautiful and full of distractions. In 1970 Kiru arrived in Hamburg. He worked in the kitchen of a vegetarian restaurant, learning German, and then worked his way up - and went on to make millions with his container leasing business in the Hamburg harbour.

From dishwasher to multi-millionaire - sounds kitschy, but it‘s the truth! Here is a quick look at Kiru Karan.

As if that were not enough! Kiru is a nice guy and a pleasure to be around. The TAZ (German Newspaper) once wrote “Karan has a certain resemblance to Marcel Reich-Ranicki”. Except for the fact that he is in a much better mood. Not just sometimes, but always! He laughs at least twice a minute, often at his own expense. If you Google ‘Karan’ and ‘Donations’, you get 92,500 hits. 

Kiru and his wife Barbara have been donating, supporting and helping people for decades. He has often been lovingly referred to as ‘the donor with the watering can’. These days, the Ian and Barbara Karan Foundation concentrates primarily on supporting young people with migration backgrounds. In addition, hospitals and schools in his home country of Sri Lanka are also generously supported.

In 2007 Kiru was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (Gemany’s highest civilian award) and in 2009, in addition to his English citizenship, he became a German citizen. In 2010 he became Hamburg’s Senator for Economics and Labour.

“I’m trying to spread confidence and optimism,” said Kiru when he took office. And indeed, has kept his word! In this day and age, few politicians succeed in doing so.

Kiru often networks at lunch, which takes a lot of time since he knows almost everyone in the restaurant and enjoys a short chat. He plays (albeit moderately) golf in Walddörfer in Ammersbek. However, he is a solid tennis player and often enjoys a game at the Klipper Sports Club in Wellingsbüttel. Celebrity host Sandro from ‘La Bruschetta’ loses every time they meet up for a match. 

Karan is very proud of his two children Niclas and Jessica with wife Barbara. In addition, he is proud of his two children Navina and Oliver from his first marriage.

The half-sisters have founded a jewellery/brooch label this year. Ten percent of the sales will go to the Heart Center at the University of Hamburg. You truly can bequeath a golden heart!