Indian PM mourns passing of TNA’s R. Sampanthan

July 1, 2024 at 11:06 AM

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his condolences on the passing of Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Leader R. Sampanthan.

In a post on ‘X’, PM Modi said he will always cherish fond memories of meetings with the late Sampanthan. 

PM Modi further said that Sampanthan relentlessly pursued a life of peace, security, equality, justice and dignity for the Tamil nationals of Sri Lanka and that he will be deeply missed by his followers in Sri Lanka and India.

“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. @TNAmediaoffice,”, the Indian Prime Minister said in his message on ‘X’. 

Tamil National Alliance (TNA) member and former Opposition Leader MP R. Sampanthan passed away at the age of 91 while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo.

Sampanthan’s political career spanned six decades, with his first stint in the Sri Lankan parliament starting in 1977. Having served in five parliaments, he was the incumbent MP for Trincomalee District in 1977.

Sampanthan led the Tamil National Alliance since 2001 and was a Member of Parliament continuously from 2001 until his demise. He was the Leader of the Opposition from September 2015 to December 2018. (Newswire)