CHENNAI: Production house Lyca today expressed sadness over the "negative environment" surrounding its charity programme involving actor Rajinikanth in Sri Lanka and denied links with the Rajapaksa family, as claimed by some outfits here.
"We are saddened by the development of a negative environment surrounding the aid programmes of a charity to further the political gain of some elements. We don't want the Superstar (Rajinikanth) to be subjected to an uncomfortable and embarrassing situation," Lyca's Gnanam Foundation said.
The actor, currently filming "2.0" produced by Lyca, was slated to hand over houses to 150 displaced Tamils at an event in Vavuniya in North Sri Lanka on April 9, built by the foundation.
He had, however, given in to opposition from pro-Tamil outfits who cautioned him against his "involvement" in the ethnic issue and called off his visit yesterday.
"Consequently, it is with profound regret that we inform you that the events planned on 9th of April in Jaffna and Mr Rajinikanth's visit to Sri Lanka have been cancelled," the foundation said in a statement.
However, Lyca Gnanam Village will be officially opened as planned on April 10, 2017 and the houses will be handed over to the recipients, it added.
It also reiterated it had no business ties with former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, criticised in Tamil Nadu for the civilian deaths during the peak of armed assault on rebel LTTE in 2009.
"It is a well-known fact that numerous baseless rumours have been fabricated by our business competitors, stating that we have a business relationship with the past Rajapaksa regime. Our continuous actions to date have proved that such reports are untrue and unfounded," it said.
Some of its business competitors were still continuing to make such allegations, it claimed.
It also took exception to "some Tamil Nadu politicians who repeatedly speak out in support of those who are attempting to gain petty advantage by spreading rumours like these."
"We suspect that these politicians are repeatedly spreading these fabricated and baseless rumours due to their obligations to our business competitors," it charged, but did not name anybody.
The foundation said it welcomed and supported the efforts of Tamil political leaders "who are working tirelessly to achieve a long-lasting political solution to Eelam Tamils."
"We humbly request that those who are concerned about and support the Sri Lankan Tamils let us continue our efforts to alleviate the suffering of our people," it added.
However, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), one of the political parties which opposed Rajinikanth's visit, refuted Lyca's charges.