Veteran Tamil Political Leader, Passes Away at 91; Local & International Condolences Pour In

COLOMBO (News 1st); R. Sampanthan, the prominent leader of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) and Member of Parliament, has passed away. He was 91 years old at the time of his death.

R. Sampanthan, born in 1933 and a respected lawyer by profession, had been ailing for some time. He breathed his last at a private hospital in Colombo last night.

His political journey began when he secured a parliamentary mandate by winning the Trincomalee district in the 1977 general election. Over the years, he served as an MP during various terms, including from 1977 to 1983 and 1997 to 2000.

Notably, R. Sampanthan held the position of the 14th Opposition Leader in the Sri Lankan Parliament, he was also a member of parliament serving from 2001 until his passing. From 2015 to 2018, he also led the opposition.

Following in the footsteps of Appapillai Amirthalingam, R. Sampanthan became the second Tamil Opposition Leader in Sri Lanka's parliamentary history.

His unwavering advocacy for the Tamil community will remain an indelible part of his political legacy, spanning over half a century.

Messages of condolence have been pouring in following the passing of R. Sampanthan, both locally and internationally.

"I express my deepest condolences on the passing of Mr R. Sampanthan. As a national leader, he worked tirelessly to bridge the divisions in our country. His loss will be mourned across the nation," posted Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

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

"Today, we mourn the loss of Mr. Sampanthan, who served Sri Lanka for over half a century. His dedication to equal rights for all Sri Lankans is 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," said Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.

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," said Narendra Modi.

"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 forTamils in Sri Lanka. Condolences to his family and followers," said Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar.

"Deeply saddened at the demise of TNA leader Shri R. Sampanthan. Met & interacted with him on many occasions. He will be remembered for his seminal contribution to the Sri Lankan Tamil cause & for his goodwill towards India. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones," said Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha.

"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," said US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung.