Controversy continues to surround Thiyakenthiran Vamadeva, commonly known as “Thiyagi,” the owner of TCT Supermarket in Nallur and the chairman of Thiyagi Charitable Trust Jaffna.
Ironically, the name “Thiyagi,” meaning sacrificer, was self-bestowed, reflecting his self-aggrandizing character. His recent public aid distribution events, ostensibly aimed at helping the impoverished, have drawn widespread criticism for their degrading nature. Reports indicate that beneficiaries are often made to wait for extended periods under the scorching sun, subjecting them to unnecessary hardship and indignity.
Adding to the controversy, several videos have surfaced showing Thiyagi dancing to MGR songs. In these videos, he is seen forcefully inviting some of the girls who came to receive aid and dancing with them against their will. These actions have not only raised concerns about respect for the recipients but have also intensified scrutiny over Vamadeva’s sources of wealth, behavior, and mental stability within the local community.
Thiyakenthiran Vamadeva, known as “Thiyagi,” announced that he would be distributing donations and aid on June 7th to celebrate his daughter’s 40th birthday. This announcement led to thousands of people gathering on Navalar Road, where his supermarket is located, resulting in a massive traffic jam. The police were initially called to regulate traffic and manage the crowd, but their efforts proved insufficient, necessitating the intervention of the army to control the situation. Many waiting in the long queue under the scorching sun for a few thousand rupees of donations were disabled or physically unwell.
In a disturbing incident captured on video, Thiyagi was seen snatching a disabled boy from his mother’s arms and holding him while dancing to an old MGR song. The discomfort and physical pain of the child was clearly visible, exacerbating public outrage. This act has been widely condemned as insensitive and exploitative, highlighting Thiyagi’s blatant disregard for the dignity and well-being of vulnerable individuals.
During his aid distribution event, Thiyakenthiran Vamadeva, known as “Thiyagi,” invited numerous YouTubers to give publicity to the ceremony. In an interview with a female YouTuber, Thiyagi claimed he does not respect money. To emphasize his point, he took a bundle of 5000 rupee notes from his shirt pocket, amounting to lakhs of rupees, and threw it on the ground, stepping on it. This act, particularly the disrespect shown towards money—a symbol of prosperity and the goddess Lakshmi in local culture—has infuriated many in Jaffna, who view it as an affront to their values and struggles. Many locals have asked, “Can one do nonsense just because they have money?”
The incident sparked a backlash on social media, with even those who once benefited from his aid questioning the dignity of receiving money in such a degrading manner. Thiyagi further exacerbated the situation by declaring that he fears no one, including the President of Sri Lanka. He stated that if the President wished to meet him, he should come to him. While some locals interpreted this as a symbol of self-respect, Thiyagi’s subsequent public request for endorsement of his aspiration to become the Governor of the Northern Province fueled widespread ridicule.
Adding to the controversy are allegations regarding the origins of Thiyagi’s wealth. Credible sources claim that the money flaunted by Thiyagi does not originate from his supermarket business, as he claimed, but rather from questionable investments in Europe, including Switzerland. It is alleged that these funds are transferred to Sri Lanka through various channels.
In social media posts, many have started highlighting how Thiyagi seems more focused on self-promotion than on genuinely helping the poor. One user recounted an incident where they approached Thiyagi to help a person needing an immediate kidney transplant. Instead of providing immediate assistance, Thiyagi told them to bring the patient to his New Year event, where he would distribute money, and asked them to stand in line, even though the patient could barely stand. The Facebook user angrily questioned Thiyagi’s motives, suggesting he wanted to use the patient’s plight to showcase his generosity to the world rather than offering sincere help.
People have also pointed out that if Thiyagi’s intentions are indeed to help others without any expectations, there are many ways to do so without subjecting the poor to indignity. Rather than calling them en masse and throwing money, which they likened to throwing food to stray dogs, they argue that he should adopt a more respectful approach. If Thiyagi genuinely wants to help, he should avoid subjecting the poor to the hardship of standing in line under the scorching sun, particularly those who are differently-abled, visually impaired, and mothers with infants. Instead, he could collaborate with the Grama Niladhari office and Pradesha Saba office to identify those in need and assist them directly.
While it is true that Thiyagi is one of the rare individuals who provide aid to the poor in Jaffna and has donated crores worth of aid, locals pointed out that he seems more interested in showcasing himself as a ‘Vallal’ (philanthropist) in the style of MGR than in truly helping the poor. They highlighted that this is where the problem lies entirely.
