Srilanka, Feb. 2 -- 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 Perade...