Akashi to visit Sri Lanka

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 08 February 2005, 12:30 GMT]
Special Representative of the Government of the Japan and Peace Envoy Mr Yasushi Akashi is scheduled to visit Srilanka to "discuss the current situation of the peace process after the tsunami disaster," a press release from the Embassy of Japan said Tuesday.

Full text of the press release follows:

"Mr.Yasushi Akashi, Representative of the Government of Japan for peace-building, rehabilitation and reconstruction in Sri Lanka, will visit Sri Lanka for the 9th time from Wednesday 9th February to Sunday 13th February 2005, to discuss with the Government and the parties concerned of the current situation of the peace process after the tsunami disaster.

During his visit he is scheduled to meet Her Excellency President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse, Foreign Minister Mr. Lakshman Kadirgamar and other relevant leaders and officials of Sri Lanka. Continuing his mission to contribute to peace building, rehabilitation and reconstruction in Sri Lanka, Mr. Akashi will also visit Kilinochchi and meet with the LTTE leadership.

Mr. Akashi will also visit tsunami devastated areas in Mullaitivu in the North and Hambantota in the South to assess the extensive damage caused by the tsunami on 26th December 2004."