Mahinda Rajapaksa to worship at Tirumala, Tamil groups protest

Chennai: Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa is likely to worship at the Tirumala Venkateswara temple on Wednesday following the advice of his astrologer for strengthening winning chances in the Presidential poll on January 8. He is arriving at Tirupati on Tuesday evening and will offer special prayers at the world-famous Balaji shrine the following morning.

Responding to media reports to this effect, PMK founder Dr S. Ramadoss has demanded that the Government of India should withdraw its permission to President Rajapaksa to visit the country as he was responsible for the slaughter of 1.5 lakh innocent Tamils.“Nothing can hurt us, Tamils, more than this honour to this murderer, letting him worship at Tirupati with full temple honours despite his role in destroying over 2000 Hindu temples in Eelam.

Already the Indian government has failed to meet the expectations of Tamils world over that it would initiate steps to punish Rajapaksa for war crimes. On the other hand, the Centre has been inviting him to attend all the important events here”, said the PMK chief. MDMK general secretary Vaiko has announced black-flag demonstration against Rajapaksa in Tirupati.