Japanese peace envoy talks to Sri Lankan leaders

A Japanese peace envoy has begun talks with Sri Lankan leaders over Colombo's decision to abandon a truce with the Tamil Tiger rebels.

Japan, the biggest bilateral donor to Sri Lanka, has hinted that foreign aid could be withheld if violence continues to escalate in the island's long-running ethnic conflict that has already claimed thousands of lives.

Yasushi Akashi's visit comes amid more intense fighting along the frontlines with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam-controlled north, with the government claiming it killed 105 rebels over the weekend.

Authorities say 361 rebels have died this month, a figure that cannot be verified.

Sri Lankan government officials say Mr Akashi will hold talks with the president, foreign minister and leader of the opposition on Monday.

His three-day programme, however, does not include a visit to the rebel-held north of the island.