AIADMK leader J Jayalalitha today commenced a day-long fast here to press the Centre to use its good offices with Sri Lanka to declare an immediate ceasefire in the island nation. A similar fast is being undertaken by party members in the district headquarters across the state.

Jayalalitha had charged the Centre and the DMK, a constituent of the ruling UPA, with "failing to ensure ceasefire," in (the northern parts of) Sri Lanka." The party is also collecting donations during the fast for providing relief to the Sri Lankan Tamils.