A Statesman and Role Model: Party Leaders’ Tributes to Sampanthan

27-Jul-2025

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Multiple political leaders and MPs described the late R. Sampanthan as a rare statesman and role model for all politicians.

SLMC Leader Rauff Hakeem called Sampanthan’s political life significant across several historical periods. 

He highlighted Sampanthan’s role in Tamil liberation efforts and expressed prayers for his soul.

Rishad Bathiudeen, Leader of the All Ceylon Makkal Congress, said Sampanthan was loved by all and highly respected in Trincomalee. He participated in resolving many crises with wisdom and fairness.

SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa stated that Sampanthan always pursued political solutions even when others sought violent means. He tried to resolve people’s issues democratically through Parliament.

Jeevan Thondaman, Leader of the Ceylon Workers’ Congress, while acknowledging no close personal ties with Sampanthan, said he had benefited from his wisdom and noted his close relationship with the late Arumugam Thondaman.

Opposition Leader Sajith

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa referred to Sampanthan as one of the most respected and humane leaders in Sri Lankan political history. 

Speaking in Parliament, Premadasa said Sampanthan always prioritized the people's welfare and acted as a wise counselor.

Premadasa praised Sampanthan’s contributions to national sovereignty and civil rights and expressed heartfelt condolences to his family.

MP S. Sritharan

MP S. Sritharan of the Tamil National Alliance described the passing of R. Sampanthan as an irreplaceable loss in the political history of Eelam Tamils across two generations.

Participating in the same parliamentary condolence motion, Sritharan paid tribute to Sampanthan’s leadership, which guided Tamil politics after the silence that followed the armed struggle. 

Sampanthan laid the foundation for collective Tamil political action over the past 14 years and successfully steered the Tamil cause diplomatically.

Minister Bimal

The late R. Sampanthan was a leader suited for both the President and Prime Minister roles, said Minister Bimal Rathnayake during a parliamentary condolence motion for several deceased former MPs, including Sampanthan.

He described Sampanthan as a towering figure in Sri Lankan political history, respected even by those who disagreed with his policies. 

Rathnayake recalled his time in opposition alongside Sampanthan between 2001–2010 and 2015–2020, emphasizing that despite policy differences, Sampanthan always conducted himself with dignity and earned cross-party respect.