Swiss Embassy to Mark 70 Years of Switzerland–Sri Lanka Relations with Two-Day Event in Jaffna

The Embassy of Switzerland in Sri Lanka will hold a two-day event in Jaffna on October 3 and 4, 2026, to mark three significant milestones in Switzerland–Sri Lanka relations.

The three milestones being commemorated are:

• 70 years of Switzerland–Sri Lanka friendship

• 25 years of engagement for peace and human rights

• 20 years of Swiss development cooperation (SDC)

The event will be held at the Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre in Jaffna, bringing together government partners, community representatives, partner organisations and other stakeholders to reflect on Switzerland’s longstanding engagement with Sri Lanka, particularly in the areas of development cooperation, peace and human rights.

A documentary focusing on Switzerland’s contribution to development cooperation, peace and human rights, and humanitarian assistance in the Northern and Eastern regions will be screened on Saturday, October 3. Individuals who have contributed to these efforts will also be recognised during the event.

The “70 Years | 70 Faces” photographic exhibition, which was displayed in Colombo earlier this year, will subsequently be presented in Jaffna. The exhibition portrays personal stories reflecting seven decades of bilateral relations between Switzerland and Sri Lanka.

On Sunday, October 4, expert panel discussions will be held on future economic development, the contribution of the Tamil diaspora and national reconciliation.

The commemorative event will recognise the people and contributions that have shaped the longstanding ties between Switzerland and Sri Lanka, while also creating opportunities for further dialogue, cooperation and connections.

The two-day programme is expected to provide a platform to reflect on past achievements and explore avenues for strengthening engagement between the two countries in the years ahead.