President Pays Last Respects to Late Mavai Senathirajah

The President, accompanied by a delegation that included Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation Bimal Ratnayake, expressed his deepest condolences to Senathirajah’s family and loved ones.

Senathirajah, 82, passed away while receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit at the Jaffna Teaching Hospital, following a sudden illness. Born on October 27, 1942, in Mavittipuram, Jaffna, he was a significant figure in Sri Lankan politics.

He began his education at Nadeshwara College in Jaffna and later completed his external degree at the University of Peradeniya. Senathirajah entered politics in 1966 through the Tamil Democratic Front and was actively involved in the political conflicts of Jaffna during the late 20th century.

Imprisoned several times between 1969 and 1983 for his political activism, he played a key role in mediating between the government and the LTTE during the 30-year civil war. His political career saw him elected to Parliament in 2001 as a member of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), a position he held until 2020.

In 2014, Senathirajah was appointed leader of the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi Party, a key component of the Tamil National Alliance, and continued as its leader until 2024. Following his resignation from the leadership, he served as the patron and political group leader of the party until his death.

His passing marks the end of an era for Tamil political leadership in Sri Lanka, and his contributions to his community and country will be remembered.