Veteran Tamil leader R. Sampanthan passes away

In a significant development, Rajavarothiyam Sampanthan, a prominent ethnic Tamil leader and lawmaker in Sri Lanka, has passed away at the age of 91 in Colombo. Sampanthan rose to prominence as a key figure advocating for autonomy for the Tamil minority group following the end of a brutal civil war that lasted for a quarter-century. His political journey was marked by challenges, including the government's ban on separatism advocacy in 1983, which led to his party members boycotting Parliament and subsequently losing their seats, further fueling tensions that escalated into a civil war between separatists and the government. Despite facing setbacks, Sampanthan's influence grew after his election to Parliament in 2001 under the Tamil National Alliance, formed by the Tamil Tiger rebel group to represent their democratic voice during peace negotiations brokered by Norway. His efforts for justice, increased autonomy, and recognition for the Tamil-majority regions in the north and east of Sri Lanka, as well as his outreach to the Sinhalese community, were notable aspects of his leadership. He also played a crucial role in raising international awareness about the Tamil community's post-war struggles and the urgent need for a just resolution to the conflict. Sampanthan's legacy extended beyond his political career, as he became the second ethnic Tamil to serve as opposition leader in Parliament from 2015 to 2018, advocating for equal rights for minorities and broader human rights advancements in Sri Lanka. His recent engagement with the UN Human Rights Council in 2022 highlighted ongoing concerns about the treatment of Tamils by the Sinhalese-led government, underscoring his unwavering commitment to seeking justice and equality for his community. Tributes following his passing have poured in from various political figures in Sri Lanka, reflecting the impact of his dedicated pursuit of peace, security, and dignity for the Tamil nationals of the country.