External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris is to visit South Africa on an official visit, sources from the External Affairs Ministry said.

Sources said the visit is aimed at ironing out the differences between the two countries after the Sri Lankan government turned down the invitation to attend the centenary celebrations of the African National Congress (ANC) on January 8th.

The President has asked the External Affairs Minister to inform the South African government of his displeasure over the link built by the Tamil Diaspora with the South African administration through the ANC.

External Affairs Ministry sources say the Minster is to travel to Botswana and Nigeria after visiting South Africa. Sources also said the tour could also be Minister Peiris’ last official tour as the External Affairs Minister.