Following requests from political leaders, Kollywood superstar Rajinikanth on Saturday announced that he is cancelling his two-day visit to Sri Lanka on an invitation from Lyka Productions, which is alleged to have links with former Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Clarifying that he has decided to stay away from the event organised by Lyca Productions in Vavuniya, Sri Lanka, following requests from leaders of some political parties in Tamil Nadu, Rajinikanth appealed to the leaders not to prevent him from visiting Lanka if another opportunity arises in the future.
Rajinikanth was to attend an event organised by the cinema production house on April 9 to hand over 150 houses built in war-ravaged northern Sri Lanka for the affected families belonging to the ethnic Tamil community.
Rajinikanth said that while VCK party leader Thirumavalavan made this request through media, MDMK general secretary Vaiko called him in this regard. Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi leader T Velmurugan had conveyed his request through friends, pointing out many political reasons. “Though I cannot accept the reasons put forth by them wholeheartedly, I will stay away from this function, accepting their affectionate request,”, Rajni added.
“I wish to say one thing. I am not a politician but an artiste. As pointed out by Thirumavalavan, my duty is to entertain the people. If I get another opportunity to visit Lanka and meet the Tamil people there, I request you not to prevent me from visiting the place where a holy war took place. I take privilege in making this request with affection,” Rajinikanth added.
Calling the chairman of Lyca Productions, Subaskaran, a compassionate person, Rajinikanth said he had constructed 150 houses in memory of his mother Gnanambika for the people in Vavuniya who had lost their houses. The function to present the houses to the beneficiaries is scheduled for April 9 in which around four lakh people are expected to participate.
Besides Malaysian Senate Member Vigneswaran and Tamil National Alliance leader R Sampanthan, UK MP James Berry and Chief Minister of Northern Province CV Vigneswaran are among those scheduled to attend the event. On the occasion, approval for funds to construct a research building for Jaffna University has also been given.
Rajinikanth was scheduled to visit Vavuniya on April 10 to hand over houses to meet the Tamil community and plant saplings. He had also planned to visit Mullaithivu, Kilinochi and Pudukudiyiruppu to meet the people.
Courtesy: New Indian Express
