Yakushi Akashi, is scheduled to meet the president, prime minister and the leaders of the LTTE.

When asked about the funds pledged at the Tokyo donor conference in 2003, Akashi said: “Certain projects have been approved for this year but funds are yet to be released.”

Akashi also met Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) leader Rauf Hakeem.

Speaking to Sandesaya, Hakeem said: “We voiced our concerns regarding the problems faced by the farmers in the east.”

He also said that they raised the matter of the Tamil Tigers trying to by-pass the Muslim Congress leadership and discussing political matters pertaining to Muslims’ issues with civil society organisations.

“We cautioned the Japanese envoy and told him that this is a matter of serious concern,” he said.