The saga of Rajavarothiam Sampanthan’s clinging to his position within the Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) despite severe health impediments, including significant hearing loss, highlights a disturbing pattern
of opportunism in Sri Lankan politics. This pattern is not just evident in Sampanthan’s insistence on holding his chair but also in M.A. Sumanthiran’s prolonged silence and recent vocal opposition, raising questions about the genuine motivations of both leaders.
Insider accounts reveal Sampanthan’s initial reluctance to contest the last general election,
swayed by Mavai Senathiraja’s insistence, driven by his own political calculations. This manoeuvring, combined with Sampanthan’s extended use of state-provided housing and vehicles beyond his tenure as Opposition Leader and his unfulfilled commitments regarding the national list seat, paints a picture of
deep-rooted political self-interest.
Further, Sampanthan’s personal request delayed a crucial meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and his failure to maintain unity within the TNA, leading to fragmentation and the formation of the Democratic TNA (dTNA), reflects his faltering leadership. This is compounded by the comedic outcome of the TNA’s internal voting in the secret ballot for president, revealing a lack of coherence and solidarity within the party.
Moreover, Sampanthan’s tenure as Leader of the Opposition is marred by allegations of failing
to assertively represent Tamil interests, particularly in negotiating with the Yahapalana coalition.
His controversial decisionmaking, such as nominating C.V. Wigneswaran for Chief Minister, despite significant resistance, further questions his judgment.
All these incidents collectively expose a worrisome level of opportunism, not only in Sampanthan’s approach but also among other political figures within the ITAK and TNA, revealing a concerning disregard for the genuine needs and aspirations of the Tamil community in Sri Lanka.
