The U.S. State Department says it is sending two senior diplomats to South Asia later this month to consult with government and civil society leaders on issues that include education and human trafficking, as well as accountability and reconciliation processes.

Officials announced the plans for Maria Otero and Robert Blake in a press release Monday.

Officials say the diplomats will first travel to Colombo, Sri Lanka February 12 for a three-day stay. While there, they will meet with government officials, civil society representatives, youth groups, and political leaders. They will depart Sri Lanka February 14.

Otero will leave for New Delhi, India for two days of talks with government and civil society representatives on a wide range of issues, including human trafficking, refugees and regional security. Under Secretary Otero will then continue on to Nepal, where she will discuss a number of bilateral and regional issues, including the peace process in that country and rule of law.

Blake will depart Sri Lanka for Bangladesh to participate in a series of education and university events. He is also scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka and visit the eastern port city of Chittagong.