<p>“It’s one of the biggest events Sri Lanka has seen to date. I have quite a few roles to play at the IIFA this year,” Jacqueline said.<br /><br />“This is just not any award function for me because I am a Sri Lankan and everyone from the film fraternity is actually coming to Sri Lanka; so for me it’s like a chance to welcome the people who have welcomed me so warmly,” added the actress, who made her Bollywood debut with “Aladin”.<br /><br />The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards are being held in Colombo June 3-June 5 against a backdrop of massive protests from Tamils in India, who allege that members of the community continue to be discriminated in Sri Lanka and allege genocide against Sri Lankan Tamils during the war against the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam).<br /><br />Film associations from southern India have also decided to boycott any actor who participates in the IIFA event this year.<br /><br />“It’s sad, you know. It is a very critical moment for Sri Lanka. We are really hoping for support and cooperation from every one. We are in a new era. The war ended last year and we are trying to make our country as peaceful as possible to retain the peace. Some people want to ruin that. They should see the bigger picture and move on,” said Jacqueline.</p>
<p>“It’s one of the biggest events Sri Lanka has seen to date. I have quite a few roles to play at the IIFA this year,” Jacqueline said.<br /><br />“This is just not any award function for me because I am a Sri Lankan and everyone from the film fraternity is actually coming to Sri Lanka; so for me it’s like a chance to welcome the people who have welcomed me so warmly,” added the actress, who made her Bollywood debut with “Aladin”.<br /><br />The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards are being held in Colombo June 3-June 5 against a backdrop of massive protests from Tamils in India, who allege that members of the community continue to be discriminated in Sri Lanka and allege genocide against Sri Lankan Tamils during the war against the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam).<br /><br />Film associations from southern India have also decided to boycott any actor who participates in the IIFA event this year.<br /><br />“It’s sad, you know. It is a very critical moment for Sri Lanka. We are really hoping for support and cooperation from every one. We are in a new era. The war ended last year and we are trying to make our country as peaceful as possible to retain the peace. Some people want to ruin that. They should see the bigger picture and move on,” said Jacqueline.</p>
