Rajinikanth cancels visit to Sri Lanka

Chennai: Rajinikanth on Saturday cancelled his visit to Sri Lanka, where he was scheduled to give away homes for displaced Tamils, after some pro-Tamil outfits urged him to withdraw from the programme.

The Enthiran actor said he took the decision after founders of Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Vaiko and Thol Thirumavalavan respectively, and Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi leader T. Velmurugan asked him to consider withdrawing from the programme.

The actor said Vaiko had spoken to him over the phone on the issue, while Thirumavalavan had made a plea through the media and Velmurugan had sent across a message through a friend.

“They placed before me various political reasons and kindly asked me not to participate in the programme. Although I could not wholeheartedly accept what they said, I avoid attending the function heeding their request,” he said.