Renowned senior politician and former opposition leader R. Sampanthan passed away just moments ago at the age of 91. He was receiving treatment for an illness at a private hospital in Colombo.
R. Sampanthan had been a distinguished Member of Parliament representing the Trincomalee District since 1977. He led his party from 2004 until 2014, when the current leader, Mavai Senathirajah, succeeded him with the unanimous consent of the party’s central committee. Following this, Sampanthan served as the senior advisor to the party.