Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday condoled the passing away of veteran Sri Lankan Tamil politician R. Sampanthan, saying the former leader of the Tamil National Alliance had relentlessly pursued a life of equality, justice and dignity for the Tamil nationals of Sri Lanka.
In a post on X, the PM said he will always cherish fond memories of his meetings with Sampanthan.
“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.”
Rajavarothiam Sampanthan passed away on Sunday at the age of 91 while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo.
Sampanthan was a heavyweight of the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi. His political career spanned six decades.
Sampanthan was the incumbent MP for Trincomalee and served in five parliaments since 1977.
He also led the Tamil National Alliance since 2001.
He was the Leader of the Opposition from September 2015 to December 2018.
On April 2024, Parliament had granted him a leave of three months from attending Parliament sessions as he was receiving medical treatment.
A lawyer by profession, Sampanthan was a Member of Parliament continuously from 2001 until his death in 2024, and previously served as a MP from 1977 to 1983 and from 1997 to 2000.
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, MP Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka and TNA MP M.A. Sumanthiran took to ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) to express their condolences on the veteran politician’s passing.
“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,” Sumanthiran said via the TNA media unit.
“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,” Rajapaksa, the SLPP leader, posted on ‘X’.
Meanwhile, former army chief Fonseka said: “I express my deepest condolences. Hon. R. Sampanthan was a very senior politician. His loss would be greatly felt.”
