"We urge him not to attend the function in Colombo as a symbol of solidarity for the Tamilian cause in Sri Lanka.

“Tamils have been subject to atrocities and war crimes perpetrated by the Mahinda Rajapaksa government in that country," said the spokesperson for the protesters.

Canadian Tamils, who are leading the protests against the Sri Lankan military assault against the Tamils had last year also urged the superstar not to attend the ceremony.

"By visiting Sri Lanka, Amitabh Bachchan will be lending credibility to a regime which has destroyed Tamils ruthlessly and committed horrendous human rights violations,'' believes Canadian Tamil Congress national spokesman David Poopalapillai.

Tamil director Seeman disappointed with Bollywood’s decision
Tamil film director, Seeman, who also supports the cause of oppressed Tamils in Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka, said in an interview recently that he’s highly disappointed with Bollywood’s plans to hold this year’s IIFA awards in Sri Lanka.

He also said that that the whole development is proof enough that Bollywood is totally oblivious to the sufferings of Tamils.

“We have the reputation of sending our cricket team to the country when the war was still being fought,” added Seeman sarcastically.

Sri Lanka getting ready to host IIFA Awards
Oblivious to all the commotion happening in India, Sri Lankan officials are busy getting everything for the big event in July.

Reportedly, government is funding the renovation plans for the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium where the event will take place.

“This is a very expensive exercise but our sponsors, that is the CEB, Ministry of Defence and other ministries will be providing us with the necessary finance.

“The global sponsors for the IIFA awards will also facilitate us with more funds but there will be no big sponsorships from any private Sri Lankan company,” explained managing director, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Dileep Mudadeniya.