The political landscape of Sri Lanka has been marked by the contributions and legacy of R. Sampanthan, the former leader of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) and a veteran Tamil politician. Sampanthan passed away at the age of 91 while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo.
Sampanthan’s political career spanned over six decades, beginning with his first entry into the Sri Lankan parliament in 1977. A prominent figure in the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK), the main Tamil political alliance in Sri Lanka, Sampanthan’s influence and leadership have been instrumental in the political sphere of the country.
He served as the Member of Parliament for the Trincomalee District, making his mark in five parliaments since 1977. Sampanthan’s tenure as a parliamentarian was characterized by his unwavering dedication to the Tamil cause and his advocacy for the rights and interests of the Tamil people in Sri Lanka.
A lawyer by profession, Sampanthan’s legal acumen complemented his political endeavors. He assumed the leadership of the Tamil National Alliance in 2001, a position he held until his death in 2024. His parliamentary career saw him serve continuously from 2001, having also served earlier terms from 1977 to 1983 and from 1997 to 2000.
Sampanthan’s leadership extended to the national level when he served as the Leader of the Opposition from September 2015 to December 2018. His tenure in this role was marked by his efforts to bridge the ethnic divide in the country and advocate for reconciliation and justice.
In recent months, Sampanthan had been granted a three-month leave from attending Parliament sessions due to his medical condition. His passing marks the end of an era for Tamil politics in Sri Lanka and leaves a void in the country’s political fraternity.
Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum, reflecting the respect and admiration Sampanthan garnered throughout his career. Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, MP Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, and TNA MP M.A. Sumanthiran were among those who expressed their condolences on social media.
“We announce with deep regret the passing of Hon. R Sampanthan, Leader of the TNA and MP for Trincomalee a little while ago. Funeral arrangements will be notified later,” stated Sumanthiran via the TNA media unit.
Rajapaksa, sharing his grief, said, “My deepest condolences on the passing of TNA Leader R. Sampanthan. He was an old friend and colleague and we shared many a day discussing various issues. His demise is a loss to Sri Lanka’s political fraternity and may his family & friends overcome this sad loss.”
Fonseka echoed these sentiments, noting, “I express my deepest condolences. Hon. R. Sampanthan was a very senior politician. His loss would be greatly felt.”
R. Sampanthan’s passing is a significant loss to Sri Lanka. His legacy as a dedicated politician, an advocate for Tamil rights, and a proponent of reconciliation will be remembered for years to come.
