Japanese envoy in 20th visit to Sri Lanka

President Mahinda Rajapaksa "appears to be very keen on implementation of thirteenth amendment of the constitution," said Yasushi Akashi.

The thirteenth amendment to the Sri Lankan constitution facilitates devolution of power.

Ending his twentieth visit to Sri Lanka the Japanese envoy told journalists that things are changing for better in Sri Lanka.

"There is appearance of peace pervading but some of them told me that there is not enough food and grown up men are looking for jobs" Japanese envoy said.

Speaking about the establishment of a United Nations panel Yasushi Akashi said that it could provide "experiences and insights".

UN panel

There purpose should not be interfere with the Sri Lankan Commission but to offer ideas and suggestion if needed," he added.

The UN's head of political affairs, Lynn Pascoe, after a two-day visit to the island announced last week that a panel to advise the United Nations on human rights issues arising from the civil war in Sri Lanka could be in place within days.

The Commission of Inquiry on Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation appointed by the president in May has called for written representations from the public or individual organisations.

Human rights organisations alongside UN rights agencies have called for international involvement in probing alleged human rights violations in Sri Lanka's war against Tamil Tigers.