Sri Lanka and Switzerland to forge stronger ties

High level discussions focused on a range of issues including steps being taken by Sri Lanka to strengthen democratic institutions, advance reconciliation and achieve economic development were held between Switzerland during a visit by top Swiss government official to Sri Lankan this week. 

Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga, Head of the Federal Department of Justice and Police of the Swiss Confederation undertook a three-day visit to Sri Lanka, during which she called on President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.  The main highlight of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Swiss Confederation on the establishment of a Migration Partnership.

According to Foreign Affairs ministry, the MoU which was signed by the Minister of Internal Affairs & Wayamba Development S.B. Nawinna on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka, and Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga on behalf of the Swiss Federal Council, enables the establishment of a regular and constant dialogue and common reflective process of migration matters beneficial to both countries, especially in the following areas:   management of migration flows; prevention of irregular migration; readmission of nationals, stateless persons, and third-country nationals; return assistance and reintegration; capacity  building in migration governance matters; prevention of smuggling of migrants and fight against human trafficking; visa issues, consular and related administrative matters; vocational training; promotion of safe and regular migration for sustainable development through a comprehensive engagement on all levels; strengthening framework conditions for diaspora investment in Sri Lanka; integration; and projects promoting rule of law and reconciliation.

Delegation-level discussions between the two countries were held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 06 August, with the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Vasantha Senanayake leading the Sri Lanka delegation. Foreign Secretary Prasad Kariyawasam, and officials of several ministries including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs joined the Acting Minister at the discussions.

 During her stay in Sri Lanka, Councillor Sommaruga also visited Swiss assisted projects in the Eastern Province.