Funeral service details will be shared as soon as they become available.
Obituary: A Life of Courage, Service, and Unwavering Commitment to Justice
It is with profound sorrow and deep respect that we remember Kumar—a loyal friend, humanitarian, legal scholar, and tireless human rights advocate whose life was defined by resilience, moral courage, and unwavering commitment to justice and the self-determination of the Tamil people.
Born into a time of political turmoil in Sri Lanka, Kumar’s dedication to justice emerged early. As a young activist fighting for Tamil rights, he faced severe persecution and endured more than five years as a political prisoner in Sri Lanka, imprisoned for his peaceful advocacy on behalf of his community. Rather than surrendering to despair, Kumar chose to transform hardship into purpose. As he later reflected in his memoir, From Political Prisoner to UN Advocate, imprisonment did not silence him—it strengthened his resolve.
During this period of persecution, Kumar committed himself to the study of law, believing deeply that justice must be defended not only with courage, but with legal knowledge. After his release, he continued his legal education and went on to complete his law degree in the United States at the University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League institution. This remarkable achievement symbolized his transformation from political prisoner to global advocate.
Kumar devoted his legal career and moral authority to the Tamil cause, offering guidance, clarity, and steadfast support to numerous Tamil organizations and leaders. He worked tirelessly to help Tamil voices reach international platforms and remained deeply committed to advancing the right to political self-determination for the Tamil people.
In Washington, DC, Kumar played a critical role in organizing and participating in key policy meetings, engaging lawmakers, diplomats, and human rights institutions on issues central to the Tamil people’s future. At a crucial moment, when some Tamil politicians visiting the United States sought to promote the Sri Lankan government’s Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC), Kumar firmly but respectfully challenged that approach. Through principled dialogue and persuasive reasoning, he encouraged Tamil political representatives to support international investigations, recognizing that truth and justice could not be achieved through domestic mechanisms alone.
Kumar generously offered his time, counsel, and expertise to Tamil politicians and Tamil organizations striving for political self-determination. He was a valued advisor to Tamil Diaspora News, always ready to engage in thoughtful discussion, provide guidance on international law, and support advocacy efforts with integrity and strategic insight.
Beyond the Tamil struggle, Kumar was a global humanitarian, deeply concerned about human rights violations wherever they occurred. He was known for his intelligence, humility, and compassion—qualities that earned him respect across communities and institutions. His concern for human dignity extended far beyond borders, reflecting a belief that justice is universal and indivisible.
We mourn Kumar not only as a leader and advocate, but as a loyal friend, a principled humanitarian, and a man of rare conscience. His life reminds us that even in the face of imprisonment and injustice, one can rise to serve humanity with wisdom, courage, and grace.
From a prison cell in Sri Lanka to the halls of power in Washington and international forums beyond, Kumar’s journey continues to inspire. His legacy will live on in the ongoing struggle for justice, accountability, and the political self-determination of the Tamil people.
He will be deeply missed. His voice, his guidance, and his unwavering commitment will never be forgotten.