The Government said today Japanese Peace envoy Yashushi Akashi will arrive in Sri Lanka on Sunday.
 

Following on the successful conduct of the first Northern Provincial Council Elections in Sri Lanka, which was welcomed by Japan as a significant step forward in the national reconciliation process after many years of conflict, the Government of Japan has decided to dispatch Yasushi Akashi, Representative of the Government of Japan for Peace-Building, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction in Sri Lanka from 8th to 13th December 2013, the Government Information Department said. 
 

During his stay Akashi will call on President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Prof. G.L. Peiris, Minister of External Affairs, other government officials and representatives of opposition parties as well as members of civil societies. During his meetings with government officials and others Akashi will emphasize the importance of continued efforts for national reconciliation toward the establishment of lasting peace.
 

 This will be Akashi's 23rd visit to Sri Lanka since he assumed the post in 2002.