Foreign Minister, Vijitha Herath, had a cordial meeting with Ambassador Tim Enderlin, Assistant State Secretary and Head of the Peace and Human Rights Division of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, during his recent visit to Sri Lanka. The discussion centered on promoting national unity and reconciliation in the country. The Foreign Minister reiterated the Government’s commitment to building one national identity for all Sri Lankans and requested Swiss support for strengthening initiatives such as dialogue and capacity building for attaining sustainable peace and inclusive development. The Swiss side affirmed its continuous support to further strengthen the relations in key areas of mutual interests.

Prior to this visit, Ambassador Christian Frutiger, Assistant Director General of the Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC), visited Sri Lanka as the Chief Guest at a ceremony to mark the successful conclusion of the 14-year ‘Safe Labor Migration Program’ funded by the SDC. The program played a significant role in enhancing labor migration governance and policy reforms, promoting safe and regular migration practices, skills development and recognition, awareness campaigns, and supporting the sustainable reintegration of migrant workers in Sri Lanka. Ambassador Frutiger met with the senior officials at the Ministry and engaged in a discussion to further support Swiss funded initiatives such as de-mining, humanitarian and development assistance to the country.