Condolences pour in following demise of veteran Tamil leader R. Sampanthan

Tamil National Alliance (TNA), veteran Tamil politician and former leader Rajavarothiam Sampanthan, passed away in the early hours of yesterday at the age of 91. 

Sampanthan who was born on 5 February 1933 was a lawyer by profession. He first entered Parliament in 1977 representing the Trincomalee district. 

The veteran politician was also the 14th opposition leader in the Sri Lanka Parliament and the second Tamil opposition leader in the country’s history. He was also the oldest serving Parliamentarian at the time of his demise. TNA MP M.A. Sumanthiran in a press release said information relating to the final rites of the MP will be informed in due course. 

Messages of condolence have also been pouring in from both local and international figures following the passing of R. Sampanthan.

Taking to X, President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed his deepest condolences on the passing of Sampanthan. “As a national leader, he worked tirelessly to bridge the divisions in our country. His loss will be mourned across the nation,” Wickremesinghe said. 

“My deepest condolences on the passing of TNA leader R. Sampanthan. He was an old friend and colleague and we shared many days discussing various issues. His demise is a loss to the Sri Lanka political fraternity and may his family and friends overcome this sad loss,” former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa said on X.

Also issuing a message of condolence, Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa said Sampanthan’s dedication to equal rights for all Sri Lankans was a beacon of hope. “His fair and just leadership will continue to inspire me and many others. Truly, it is the end of an era,” Premadasa said.

Posting on X, TNA MP M.A. Sumanthiran said Sampanthan was a bold and relentless voice. “He tirelessly demanded equal rights for Tamils, within a ‘united, undivided, indivisible’ country. He based his arguments for a political solution on the many promises that the Sinhalese establishment made in the past but failed to keep,” he said. 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also issued a message of condolence on X.

“My deepest condolences to the family and friends of veteran TNA leader R. Sampanthan. Will always cherish fond memories of meetings with him. He relentlessly pursued a life of peace, security, equality, justice and dignity for the Tamil nationals of Sri Lanka. He will be deeply missed by his friends and followers in Sri Lanka and India,” Modi said. 

“Deeply saddened to hear about the passing away of Sri Lankan Tamil leader Shri R. Sampanthan. Recall my many meetings and conversations with him over several decades. He dedicated his entire life fighting for the equality, dignity and justice for Tamils in Sri Lanka. Condolences to his family and followers,” Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar said.  Taking to X, US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung also issued a message of condolence on the veteran politician’s passing. 

“Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of MP R. Sampanthan, a veteran Tamil politician who worked to create a cohesive, peaceful society within Sri Lanka. His advocacy for equal rights for minorities helped advance broader human rights for all Sri Lankan citizens and encouraged unity. On behalf of the United States, I extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones,” she said.