Govt has complied with the law in terms of Swiss embassy staffer : FM Gunawardena tells Swiss FM

Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena has emphasized Sri Lanka's compliance with national law and international judicial standards, with regard to the Swiss embassy staffer, and that any assertion to the contrary was factually inaccurate.

Mr Gunawardena made these remarks during a telephone conversation initiated by Foreign Minister of Switzerland Ignazio Cassis. regarding the status of the Sri Lankan employee at the Swiss Embassy Ms. Garnier Banister Francis.

The Swiss Embassy staffer who alleged abduction is presently presently in custody on reasonable suspicion of committing offenses under Sections 120 and 190 of the Penal Code.

According to a Foreign Ministry statement Mr Ginawardena explained to the Swiss Minister  that such chargescould justify a criminal charge of disaffection towards the government, and fabricating false evidence for the purpose of being used in any stage of a judicial proceeding, in her alleged abduction claim.

The Swiss Minister requested that all possible cooperation be extended to expedite the process. In turn Minister Gunawardena said the Government will do whatever it can according to the law of the land.

Minister Gunawardena re-affirmed that Ms. Francis has been granted with all possible facilities and that all her rights have been protected.

Reaffirming the commitment to consolidate bilateral relations, Minister Gunawardena agreed that the Foreign Ministry will continue to engage in further discussions in this regard, with the Swiss Ambassador in Colombo.