Prince Charles to see tsunami devastation in Sri Lanka

Britain's Prince Charles is to visit Sri Lanka later this month to see first-hand the devastation left by the December 26 tsunami, his press office said Tuesday.

No specific dates have been fixed, but the visit will take place ahead of the Prince of Wales's tour of Australia, New Zealand and Fiji scheduled for February 28 to March 11.

"It's a country for which he has a particular affection," an aide to the heir to the British throne said.

"In the wake of the disaster he has been anxious to do what he can to help. He has been receiving briefings on what's going on and has given generously to the appeals."

Charles last visited Sri Lanka, a Commonwealth member country, in 1998.