Rajinikanth cancels Sri Lanka visit following opposition from pro-Tamil outfits

Chennai: After facing opposition from Tamil fringe groups, superstar Rajinikanth has called off his proposed visit to Sri Lanka to inaugurate a housing scheme in Jaffna.

"VCK chief Thirumavalavan and MDMK chief Vaiko urged me not to visit Sri Lanka. I accepted their request because of cordial relationship," Rajinikanth said.The decision came after he met with opposition from pro-Tamil outfits in his state.

Rajinikanth was to participate in a charity event, slated to take place on April 9.

He was scheduled to formally present keys to 150 homes built by Gnanam Foundation for the internally displaced Tamils in the island nation.

However, the visit was opposed by the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and Marumarlarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMDK).

Gnanam Foundation has been focusing on re-building infrastructure in the key areas of Sri Lanka which were badly affected in the civil war that took place around three decades ago.