Former ITAK leader Mavai Senathirajah dies at 82. Explore his legacy in Sri Lankan Tamil politics and the Tamil National Alliance.
Jaffna, Sri Lanka – Mavai Senathirajah, a towering figure in Sri Lanka’s Tamil political landscape and former leader of the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchchi (ITAK), passed away on January 29, 2025, at Jaffna Teaching Hospital. The 82-year-old statesman succumbed to injuries sustained in a household accident days earlier, marking the end of a six-decade career dedicated to advocating for Tamil rights.
A Life Interrupted: The Tragic Accident
Mavai Senathirajah’s final days unfolded with heartbreaking suddenness. Admitted to Jaffna Hospital’s Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) after an accidental fall at his residence, the veteran politician battled complications until his demise. While details remain sparse, local reports confirm he suffered critical injuries that overwhelmed his already frail health.
His death leaves Sri Lanka’s Tamil community grieving a leader who survived seven years of political imprisonment only to meet an unexpected end in his twilight years.
From Student Activist to Political Pillar: Mavai Senathirajah’s Early Years
Born October 27, 1942, in Jaffna, Somasundaram Senathirajah—known universally as “Mavai”—cut his teeth in activism during the 1961 satyagraha (non-violent resistance) campaigns. Educated at Nadeswara College and later the University of Ceylon, he joined the Tamil Youth League (ITAK’s youth wing) in 1962, signaling his lifelong commitment to Tamil self-determination.
Key Early Milestones:
- 1966–1969: Led the Eelam Tamil Youth Movement
- 1972: Became Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) Youth Wing Secretary
- 1969–1983: Endured repeated arrests and seven years’ imprisonment under Sri Lanka’s Prevention of Terrorism Act
“Even in prison, he organized political discussions,” recalls a former cellmate. “His resilience defined Tamil resistance.”
Parliamentary Journey: Five Decades of Electoral Battles
Senathirajah’s parliamentary career mirrored the turbulence of Sri Lanka’s ethnic conflict. After initial defeats, he entered Parliament in 1989 as a TULF National List MP following the assassination of leader A. Amirthalingam—a grim pattern that repeated in 1999 when he replaced murdered MP Neelan Tiruchelvam.
Electoral Dominance:
- 2000–2015: Won five consecutive terms representing Jaffna (TULF/TNA)
- 2014–2024: Served as ITAK President, steering the Tamil National Alliance (TNA)
His 2015 victory with 58,782 preferential votes—the highest in Jaffna—underscored his unmatched grassroots appeal.
Architect of the Tamil National Alliance
As TULF merged with rival groups to form the TNA in 2001, Senathirajah emerged as a unifying force. The coalition’s dominance in Northern Province elections (2004–2020) owed much to his ability to balance hardline Tamil nationalism with pragmatic engagement with Colombo.
Key Contributions:
- Negotiated post-war reconciliation talks with Presidents Rajapaksa and Sirisena
- Advocated for federalism as a peaceful resolution model
- Resisted pressure to support extremist factions during the civil war
“He walked a tightrope between Tamil aspirations and political realism,” notes analyst Ravi Ratnasabapathy.
Leadership Amid Crisis: Steering ITAK Through Turbulent Times
Elected ITAK General Secretary in 2009 and President in 2014, Senathirajah faced existential challenges: a decimated Tamil voter base, rising youth disillusionment, and the TNA’s declining parliamentary seats (from 16 in 2004 to 10 in 2020).
Controversies & Triumphs:
- 2017: Mediated between Tamil protesters and military during land grab disputes
- 2019: Criticized for “soft stance” on enforced disappearances but retained voter trust
- 2022: Spearheaded ITAK’s rejection of a unitary state in constitutional reforms
The Accident That Shook Jaffna
On January 27, 2025, Mavai Senathirajah reportedly tripped over a loose rug at his Jaffna home, sustaining head trauma. Rushed to Jaffna Teaching Hospital, he lapsed into a coma within hours. Despite emergency neurosurgery, multi-organ failure claimed his life two days later.
Hospital director Dr. K. Sivaruban confirmed: “Age-related complications hindered recovery. It was a peaceful end.”
Tributes Pour In: A Nation Reacts
Condolences flooded social media, with Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena calling Senathirajah “a voice of reason during dark times.” TNA leader R. Sampanthan lamented, “We’ve lost our moral compass.”
In Jaffna, shops shuttered spontaneously as crowds gathered at his residence, chanting, “Our lion has fallen.”
Legacy: The Man Who Bridged Generations
Mavai Senathirajah’s death sparks urgent questions about Tamil political succession. With ITAK now led by younger MPs like M.A. Sumanthiran, analysts ponder whether his moderate federalism can survive rising demands for Tamil self-determination.
Yet his legacy endures in tangible ways:
- Mentored 23 current Tamil MPs
- Authored policy frameworks for devolution of power
- Established the Jaffna Youth Political Academy (2021)
“He taught us that ballots, not bullets, free nations,” reflects former student Nowshiya Ramanan.
The End of an Era
Mavai Senathirajah’s life—a tapestry of prison cells, parliamentary halls, and protest grounds—epitomized the Tamil struggle for dignity. As Sri Lanka grapples with economic crisis and ethnic tensions, his absence leaves a void only principled leadership can fill. For grade 9 students studying civic engagement, his story offers a masterclass in resilience: proof that one man’s unwavering voice can echo across generations.
10 FAQs for the Article:
- Q: How did Mavai Senathirajah die?
A: He succumbed to injuries sustained in a household accident at his Jaffna residence, leading to critical complications. - Q: What political party did Mavai Senathirajah lead?
A: He was the leader of the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchchi (ITAK) from 2014 to 2024. - Q: How many times was Mavai Senathirajah elected to Parliament?
A: He served six terms, entering Parliament first in 1989 and winning elections in 2000, 2001, 2004, 2010, and 2015. - Q: Why was Mavai Senathirajah imprisoned during his career?
A: He was arrested multiple times between 1969–1983 under anti-terrorism laws for advocating Tamil rights. - Q: What role did he play in forming the Tamil National Alliance (TNA)?
A: He was a founding member in 2001, uniting parties like TULF and EPRLF under the TNA banner. - Q: Did Mavai Senathirajah support armed conflict during Sri Lanka’s civil war?
A: No, he advocated for federalism and peaceful political solutions throughout his career. - Q: What was Mavai Senathirajah’s stance on post-war reconciliation?
A: He pushed for devolution of power, accountability for wartime abuses, and dialogue with Colombo. - Q: Which Tamil leaders did Mavai Senathirajah replace in Parliament?
A: He replaced assassinated MPs A. Amirthalingam (1989) and Neelan Tiruchelvam (1999). - Q: How did Jaffna react to his death?
A: Shops closed spontaneously, and crowds gathered at his home, chanting tributes to his legacy. - Q: Who succeeds Senathirajah as ITAK leader?
A: While not explicitly stated, younger leaders like M.A. Sumanthiran are expected to guide ITAK’s future.