Politics Is Different From Acting, Says Namal in Message to Thalapathy Vijay

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa has commented on the intersection of cinema and politics, congratulating Vijay on his recent political victory while cautioning him about the realities of public life beyond the screen.

Namal Rajapaksa said he congratulated Vijay through a post on X, noting that Vijay is new to politics, having entered the political arena from cinema. He observed that Vijay managed to secure victory within a very short period of time and congratulated him on this achievement.

However, Rajapaksa stressed that acting and politics are fundamentally different. He said that in politics, one must face reality, while acting is comparatively easy.

Drawing from Sri Lanka’s own experience, he noted that the country has witnessed several instances where actors entered politics and later came to understand these realities.

Namal Rajapaksa said he wished for Vijay to receive the strength needed to fulfil the promises he made.

He also extended an invitation to Vijay to obtain a visa and visit Sri Lanka to attend the Kachchatheevu festival scheduled for February or March next year. He said Vijay could visit Sri Lanka and participate in the Kachchatheevu feast.

Clarifying political authority, Rajapaksa said Sri Lanka is not governed by the central government of India, stating that Tamil Nadu is a state government and that a state government cannot make decisions regarding Sri Lanka. He added that Vijay can make decisions for his own state and should focus on fulfilling the promises made to the people of that state.