Speaking ahead of an international donors' meeting on Monday in
the central town of Kandy to review assistance to the island Akashi said that Sri Lanka faces a "critical period" in
its faltering peace process and failure to cut a deal with Tiger
rebels over tsunami relief could jeopardise foreign aid prospects.

Akashi who travelled to the rebel held Wanni region for talks with the LTTE leadership briefed the press in Colombo.

He said “Sri Lankan people have every right to
Expect assistance from abroad, The lack of a
joint mechanism is certainly a major handicap but we must
find alternative means for aid delivery.”

The JVP and several others have opposed a joint mechanism with the LTTE saying that such agreement will confer official status to LTTE which is considered a terrorist organization by many countries.

Akashi said that he has been discussing with JVP leader Somawnsa Amarasinha on devolution of power and Amarawansa will be soon visiting Japan to study the Japanese model of devolution.