Former Hon. Member of Parliament Mavai S. Senathirajah was a man without lust for office and one who never sold himself for privileges. Without expecting anything for himself, he endured many years of imprisonment for the rights of the Tamil people. We have lost a truly great human being, stated the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan.
Marking the first death anniversary of the late Mavai S. Senathirajah—former leader of the Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi, former Hon. Member of Parliament, and former Chairman of the District Coordinating Committee—the statue erected in his honor at Mavittapuram was unveiled this morning – on Saturday 31 January 2026, by the Governor of the Northern Province.
Subsequently, while delivering the commemorative address as the chief guest at the memorial lecture and stage event held at the Thanthai Selva Hall in Jaffna, the Governor made the above remarks.
He further stated:
“I have known Mavai S. Senathirajah since I was ten years old. He frequently visited our home to meet my father. When we were studying at the advanced level, he served as a mentor who conducted political classes for youths like us.
During the periods when I served as a Divisional Secretary and later as a District Secretary, he was functioning as a Hon. Member of Parliament. Despite holding office, he lived a very simple life. Anyone could meet him easily at any time.
He had no desire for positions of power. He never succumbed to privileges. He never expected any benefit for himself or for his family. In today’s political climate, he lived and passed away as a truly exceptional individual.
He was an innocent and gentle human being. He never had the heart to say ‘no’ to anyone who approached him for help. One would never receive a negative response from him. Such was the softness of his heart. He sacrificed his youth for the rights of the Tamil people and endured many years in prison. The loss of such a great leader is a tremendous loss to our society,” he said.
On this occasion, two publications were also released: a first-year memorial volume of Mavai S. Senathirajah, and the book titled *Eelam Annal Mavai S. Senathirajah*, authored by Professor Panch. Ramalingam.
The event was attended by former Tamil Nadu Minister N. Nallusamy, the Consul General of the Indian Deputy High Commission in Jaffna, Sai Murali, Hon. Members of Parliament, former Members of Parliament, leaders of political parties, religious leaders, representatives of civil organizations, members of the public and a large number of participants from Tamil Nadu and the Tamil diaspora.
