Akashi to visit Sri Lanka

[TamilNet, Monday, 09 May 2005, 11:55 GMT]
Japanese peace envoy, Mr Yasushi Akashi, is arriving in Sri Lanka on Wednesday for a seven day visit to discuss matters related to the peace process and post-tsunami development, a press release the Japanese Embassy in Colombo issued Monday said.

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 10th time from Wednesday 11th May to Wednesday 18th May 2005, to discuss with the Government and the parties concerned, the current situation of the peace process after the tsunami disaster.

During his visit, he is scheduled to meet President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse, Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar, other relevant leaders and officials. He will also partially attend the Development Forum of Sri Lanka scheduled to be held on 16th and 17th May in Kandy.

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.