Sri Lanka and Switzerland reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration in peacebuilding, development, and humanitarian assistance during recent high-level engagements in Colombo.
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath met with Ambassador Tim Enderlin, Assistant State Secretary and Head of the Peace and Human Rights Division of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. Their discussions focused on fostering national unity and reconciliation in Sri Lanka. Minister Herath emphasized the government’s dedication to building a unified national identity for all Sri Lankans and requested Swiss support for initiatives in dialogue and capacity building to achieve sustainable peace and inclusive development. Ambassador Enderlin assured Switzerland’s continued support for these efforts.
Additionally, Ambassador Christian Frutiger, Assistant Director General of the Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC), visited Sri Lanka to mark the successful conclusion of the 14-year Safe Labor Migration Program funded by the SDC. The program significantly enhanced labor migration governance, policy reforms, and sustainable reintegration of migrant workers. Ambassador Frutiger held discussions with senior ministry officials to explore further Swiss support for initiatives such as de-mining, humanitarian aid, and development projects.
These meetings highlight the deepening ties between Sri Lanka and Switzerland in areas of mutual interest, aiming to support sustainable growth and peace in the region.
