Sri Lankan politicians and international community pay tribute to R Sampanthan

R. Sampanthan who passed away on Sunday (June 30) at age 91.

Messages of condolences have been pouring in from diplomats, well-wishers, and politicians both in India and Sri Lanka over the death of R. Sampanthan who passed away on Sunday (June 30) at age 91.

Sampanthan was the former leader of the Tamil National Alliance and a heavyweight of the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi, his political career spanned six decades, with his first stint in the Sri Lankan parliament starting in 1977.

The Leader of Sri Lanka’s Opposition Sajith Premadasa commented on the passing of Sampanthan as signifying the end of an era. “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,” he wrote on X.

Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs M.U.M Ali Sabry said that the late Sampanthan’s “belief in democracy & devolution of power, always within an 'undivided & indivisible Sri Lanka" will forever resonate."

Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the United States Julie Chung said that his advocacy for equal rights for minorities helped advance broader human rights for all Sri Lankan citizens.

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi took to X to convey his sympathies.

“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.”

Edappadi K Palaniswami, the current leader of the opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly also tweeted his sympathies adding that Sampanthan was one of the greatest pillars for the Eelam Tamil community. “His loss as a Tamil leader who laid the foundation for a secure and safe future for the generation of Sri Lankan Tamils is irreplaceable in the Eelam Tamil history.”

The United Nation’s Resident Coordinator to Sri Lanka Marc-André Franche cited that the passing of Sampanthan “is a great loss for Sri Lanka For six decades, he championed equal rights for Tamils, striving to resolve legacy issues to push the country towards development and progress.”

Santhosh Jha, India’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka said he had met and interacted with the late Sampanthan many times and that this Tamil leader “will be remembered for his seminal contribution to the Sri Lankan Tamil cause & for his goodwill towards India.”

The Canadian High Commission in Colombo also offered its condolences. They hailed him as a "public servant tirelessly dedicated to improving the condition of Tamil people within a united Sri Lanka."