Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has left for Japan for a personal visit. 

The former President's second son Yoshitha Rajapaksa and a few of his close associates will accompany Rajapaksa during the visit, sources close to him said. 

It is learnt that Rajapaksa is expected to undergo a minor surgery, during his visit to Japan. 

Before leaving for the trip, Rajapaksa and his family members took part in religious activities too, informed sources further added.

They also said the former President would return to the island in ten days.