Thursday, February 13, 2025
Mavai Senathirajah

An icon of Northern politics

by damith
February 2, 2025 1:14 am 0 comment 903 views

Senior Tamil politician and long-time advocate for Tamil rights in Sri Lanka, Mavai Somasundaram Senathirajah, passed away on January 29 at the age of 82.

A veteran leader of the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) and a key figure in the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), Senathirajah’s political career spanned over six decades, during which he remained steadfast in his commitment to Tamil self-determination and political rights. His demise marks the end of an era in Sri Lankan Tamil politics, coming less than a year after the death of his long-time colleague and party senior, R. Sampanthan.

Born in Jaffna, Senathirajah was educated at Nadeshwara Vidyalayam, later obtaining an external degree from the University of Peradeniya. His political career began in 1962 when he joined the youth wing of the ITAK. By 1972, he had risen to become the Secretary of the Tamil Youth Front, the youth wing of the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF).

Numerous protests

Senathirajah’s activism intensified during the 1960s and 1970s, when he participated in numerous protests, including the ‘Satyagraha’ movement led by S.J.V. Chelvanayakam in 1961. This campaign, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s nonviolent resistance, sought to highlight Tamil grievances. His involvement in these protests led to multiple arrests, underscoring his unwavering dedication to the Tamil nationalist cause.

Senathirajah first entered Parliament in 1989 as a National List Member representing the TULF. He was reappointed in 1999 before being elected as a Jaffna district MP in 2000. He continued to serve as a Member of Parliament in subsequent elections, securing his seat in 2001, 2004, 2010, and 2015. His tenure in Parliament was marked by his vocal advocacy for Tamils’ rights and devolution of power.

In 2004, he became the General Secretary of the ITAK, a position he held for a decade. His leadership skills and political acumen earned him the trust of party members, and in 2014, he was elected as the leader of ITAK. Under his leadership, ITAK played a pivotal role in the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), the primary coalition representing Tamil interests in Sri Lankan politics.

Influential figure

One of the critical moments in his career came in 2013 when the Northern Provincial Council was established. His name was initially considered as the party’s Chief Ministerial candidate. However, ITAK eventually chose retired Supreme Court Judge C.V. Wigneswaran. Despite this, Senathirajah remained an influential figure in shaping the party’s policies and outreach efforts, particularly in engaging with the international community.

While Senathirajah remained a central figure in Tamil politics, his leadership was not without challenges. In 2024, he stepped down as ITAK’s leader amid internal divisions within the party. A sharp rift emerged between two factions vying for leadership, a conflict that remains unresolved. This internal struggle reflected broader ideological and strategic differences within Tamil politics, particularly on the approach to engaging with the Government and international entities.

Despite these challenges, Senathirajah’s contributions to Tamil politics remained undisputed. His tenure as ITAK’s leader saw the party navigating complex political terrain, particularly in the post-war era, where Tamil political parties faced increasing pressures from the Government and their own electorate, who demanded tangible progress on reconciliation and justice.

Throughout his career, Senathirajah was known for his unwavering resistance to what he saw as majoritarian rule in Sri Lanka. His political philosophy was deeply rooted in the ideals of federalism, self-determination, and justice for Tamils affected by decades of conflict and systemic discrimination. He was a key advocate for the full implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution, which promised devolution of powers to the provinces.

His dedication was recognised by his peers and opponents alike. Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, in a message on social media platform ‘X’, described Senathirajah as a “steadfast advocate for the rights of the Tamil people” who persistently voiced his concerns both within and outside Parliament. Former Jaffna MP and senior lawyer M.A. Sumanthiran referred to him as a “symbol of Tamil resistance to majoritarian rule for over six decades,” highlighting his imprisonment during the 1970s as a testament to his commitment.

Senathirajah’s health took a turn for the worse following an accident at his residence on January 28. He was admitted to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of Jaffna Teaching Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries the following day. His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from political leaders in Sri Lanka and also across the Palk Strait in Tamil Nadu.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake visited Senathirajah’s residence in Kankesanthurai to pay his last respects, acknowledging his contributions to Sri Lankan politics. He was accompanied by Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation, Bimal Ratnayake, and other officials. Their presence underscored the late leader’s significant role in shaping political discourse in the country.

Relentless efforts

Senathirajah’s remains are currently lying at his residence in Mavattipuram, Jaffna, and his funeral is scheduled to take place today. His passing is being mourned not just by the Tamil community but by all who recognise his relentless efforts to seek justice and political autonomy for the Tamil people.

Mavai Senathirajah leaves a legacy of political resilience, activism, and unwavering commitment to the Tamil cause.

His life’s work was defined by his advocacy for Tamil self-determination, democratic rights, and the devolution of power. Even in the face of internal party struggles and external political challenges, he remained a steadfast figure in the Tamil nationalist movement.

His passing comes at a critical time when Sri Lankan Tamil politics is undergoing significant transformation. The unresolved leadership crisis within ITAK, the broader challenges facing the Tamil National Alliance, and the increasing demand for a re-evaluation of Tamil political strategies make his absence even more profound. His successors will have to navigate these complex realities while upholding the principles he championed.

As Sri Lanka moves forward, Senathirajah’s contributions will be remembered as an integral part of the minorities’ struggle for equality, dignity, and political rights. His loss is not just for his party but also for the entire Tamil political landscape, which he helped shape over six decades. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of politicians and activists.

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