Swiss Embassy calls for strengthening ties with Sri Lanka

The Swiss Embassy in Colombo, against the backdrop of an abduction case involving one of its employees, has called for ties to be strengthened with Sri Lanka.

"The Embassy hopes for a swift return to an environment conducive to resuming the positive cooperation between Switzerland and Sri Lanka," a statement issued by the Embassy read.

Ties between the two countries turned sour after Ganiya Bannister Francis, a local Embassy employee claimed she had been kidnapped last month, with the government dismissing the incident.

"...uncorroborated facts made it into the public domain, putting an unnecessary strain on the otherwise cordial relationship between the two countries," the statement added.

However, the Embassy said that the Switzerland government "at no point" during that period intended to tarnish the image of the Sri Lankan government.

The mission added that it is convinced that both sides will pay attention to the working conditions and wellbeing of all staff attached to diplomatic missions, while understanding that local staff is subject to local laws.

"Switzerland recalls that it is the responsibility of any government to protect the diplomatic missions of other states on its territory," the statement emphasised.

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