The Hon. G. G. Ponnambalam

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, my political career began when the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) was formed, and my first parliamentary contest took place in that context. Today I wish to place on record deeper reflections on the late Mavai S. Senathirajah’s political path.

¶ 02 Even before I entered politics directly, I had heard of him while my party, the All Ceylon Tamil Congress, was a rival to the Tamil Liberation Alliance he was with at the time. After 2001, when the TNA was formed and we resolved to journey together, I came to know him more closely. He identified himself as a principled politician. His background and history spoke of one who loved the liberation politics of his people and dedicated his life to it.

¶ 03 From 2001 until the final phase of the war and beyond, we never had policy disputes in our joint work. Though we came from different party traditions, once united we moved together across all issues. Even if he had disagreements with some in his own party, he never deviated from unified positions we had agreed upon.

¶ 04 All his actions centred on the rights of the Tamil people. Had he had sole deciding power, he would undoubtedly have acted only in their best interests. In any party there are diverse views and decisions; sometimes a party’s decisions can constrain or even injure a leader’s own stance. Despite such realities, he remained steadfast as a Tamil nationalist within the TNA, loyal to the cause of liberation. His contribution to building a healthy political culture within his party was immense.

¶ 05 Though unwavering for Tamil rights, he never worked against Sri Lanka. Even at great personal risk in youth, he intervened at every stage for his people and suffered greatly, yet did not hate the country or its people. He fought so that Tamils would have an assured place in this country. That inclusive political culture is what Sri Lanka needs: a conviction that this is a country for all, and that unity arises not from uniformity but from embracing diversity.

¶ 06 His loss is a great loss to the nation. On behalf of the All Ceylon Tamil Congress and the TNA, I extend deepest condolences to his family, party colleagues, supporters, and to the people who cherished him. I thank the Hon. Presiding Member for the opportunity.