Jayam Ravi, Girlfriend Kenisha Under Attack Again - But Not Over Their Relationship

Tamil actor Jayam Ravi and his girlfriend Kenisha Francis are facing backlash - but this time, it's not about their rumoured relationship. The duo has come under fire for meeting with Sri Lanka's Foreign Affairs and Tourism Minister, Vijitha Herath.

Jayam Ravi and Kenisha Meet Srilankan Minister

Ever since Ravi and Kenisha unofficially went public with their relationship, they've been targets of social media scrutiny. However, this time the criticism is more intense - particularly from Tamil netizens - for engaging with Herath, a prominent figure in the current Sri Lankan government.

The meeting took place as part of a tourism and cultural promotion initiative. Talking about the meeting, the minister, in a post on X, wrote, "Had an incredible meeting with renowned Indian actor/producer @iam_RaviMohan and sensational singer Keneesha Francis to discuss groundbreaking projects in film production and musical concerts. These initiatives are set to boost Sri Lanka's film tourism, promote our rich cultural heritage, and bring captivating stories and electrifying performances to iconic Sri Lankan locations."

Despite the intent, the meeting has sparked anger among Tamil activists, who have condemned Ravi for collaborating with a regime long accused of war crimes and human rights violations, particularly in the Tamil-majority North and East of the island.

"It's disappointing that such a popular actor like Jayam Ravi has chosen to indulge a state that has massacred countless Tamils," Moorthy, a British Tamil activist who requested anonymity, fearing reprisal against his family by the Sri Lankan state, told Tamil Guardian. "Particularly with someone like Herath, who continues to play a leading role in genocide denial and refusing justice for our loved ones."

Herath, currently serving under Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has maintained a hardline stance against international accountability for mass atrocities. Recently, he threatened legal action against those who describe the mass killings of Tamils in the final stages of the civil war as "genocide." His statements have provoked fresh outrage, especially from Tamils who have long fought for justice and recognition.

Ravi's association with Herath comes at a time when Tamil activists have been urging a boycott of Sri Lanka's state-backed cultural collaborations - particularly while the island remains heavily militarised and Tamil calls for justice go unheeded.

Critics warn that the actor's visit risks whitewashing Sri Lanka's global image, helping to rebrand the country as a tourist-friendly destination without addressing its long-standing suppression of Tamil voices. Although the civil war officially ended in 2009, Tamil areas remain under heavy military presence, and civil society continues to report surveillance, harassment, and arbitrary arrests.

On the other hand, Ravi and Kenishaa are often attacked by netizens after he decided to part ways with his former wife Aarti.