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Swiss Justice Minister visits Sri Lanka to review reconciliation and rule of law

Switzerland's Federal Councillor for the Department of Justice and Police, Simonetta Sommaruga arrived in Sri Lanka this week on a four day visit. 

"She is keen to see for herself Switzerland’s activities in various areas such as reconciliation, dealing with the past and strengthening of the rule of law in the country," the FDJP said in a statement. 

Ms Sommaruga is to meet with the Sri Lankan president, prime minister and the leader of the TNA, R Sampanthan. 

"An exchange with the National Human Rights Commission and the Office on Missing Persons is also planned. These two independent state commissions play an important role in dealing with the past and the rule of law. Switzerland has close contacts with both commissions. The National Human Rights Commission is also financially supported by Switzerland. Also planned is a conversation with opposition leader Rajavarothiam Sampanthan. Federal Councilor Sommaruga will discuss with the head of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) the most popular Tamil party, among others topics, the situation of the Tamil minority in Sri Lanka."

Meeting with Sri Lanka's interior minister today, Ms Sommaruga signed a Memorandum of Understanding on a migration partnership. 

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