Sri Lankan parliamentary delegation visits Switzerland to discuss federalism, democracy and reconciliation

The delegation is visiting several Swiss cities to gain direct insights into the country's political system. In Bern and Murten, they discussed federalism, direct democracy and inclusive approaches to linguistic and cultural diversity with Swiss lawmakers and representatives of federal, cantonal and communal authorities.

On 19 September, the delegation will travel to Geneva for talks with the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF), the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP) and the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD). The exchanges in International Geneva aim to delve deeper into aspects of the rule of law, human rights and national reconciliation. A meeting is also planned with representatives of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the president of the UN Human Rights Council, Ambassador Jürg Lauber. The focus here will be on promoting human rights through multilateral cooperation within the UN.

Supporting national reconciliation in Sri Lanka

The study trip is taking place at a key moment for Sri Lanka, as a new government elected in 2024 pursues an ambitious programme to introduce reforms, promote national unity and combat corruption. The exchanges also allow Switzerland to consolidate its long-standing commitment to dialogue and reconciliation in Sri Lankan society, which is still marked by ethnic, religious and political tensions.

For more than two decades, the FDFA has supported Sri Lanka's efforts to promote peace, decentralisation and good governance. The PHRD, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) have worked on projects, partnerships and agreements in the fields of humanitarian aid, reconstruction, asylum and migration. Switzerland is home to a well-integrated diaspora community of over 60,000 people from Sri Lanka, who play a vital bridging role in bilateral relations.

Implementing the new Guidelines on Democracy

The Sri Lankan delegation's visit is in line with the objectives of the Guidelines on Democracy, which the FDFA published on 7 May 2025. The guidelines, which are derived from the Federal Council's Foreign Policy Strategy 2024-27, recommend implementing concrete measures to strengthen democratic processes and institutions through dialogue with interested states.

Further information

Guidelines on Democracy 2025-2028 (pdf)

Address for enquiries:

FDFA Communication Bundeshaus West 3003 Bern +41 58 460 55 55 [email protected]