Opposition Leader MP Sajith Premadasa has expressed his condolences over the demise of Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Member of Parliament and former Opposition Leader R. Sampanthan.
In a post on ‘X’, MP Premadasa said late MP Sampanthan’s dedication to equal rights for all Sri Lankans is a beacon of hope.
MP Premadasa added that the late MP’s fair and just leadership will continue to inspire him and many others.
“Today, we mourn the loss of Mr. Sampanthan, who served Sri Lanka for over half a century. 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. Truly, it is the end of an era,” the Opposition Leader said.
Meanwhile, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa also expressed his condolences on the passing of TNA Leader R. Sampanthan.
In a post on ‘X’, the former President said Sampanthan’s demise is a loss to Sri Lanka’s political fraternity.
“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. @TNAmediaoffice,” former President Mahinda Rajapaksa said.
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)