Hon. N. Vethanayahan, Governor of Northern Province stated that understanding people’s needs, designing projects accordingly, working with government officials and departments based on mutual respect, and maintaining transparency in beneficiary selection were the main reasons behind the success of projects by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.
The special event was held on Saturday evening (03.10.2026) at the Thiruvalluvar Cultural Center in Jaffna to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Switzerland.
At the discussion held following the screening of a documentary film titled ‘Payanam’ (Journey) which highlights Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation’s long-term contributions to Sri Lanka, he made this remark.
While stating, the Governor Hon. N. Vethanayahan, shared experience on collaborated with Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation on several projects in the past as a District Secretary across various districts. The Governor noted that he could remember that they always worked closely with government authorities and departments with mutual respect.
He further mentioned that transparency was prioritized while selecting beneficiaries to ensure aid reached those genuinely in need.
The Governor pointed out that the main uniqueness of Swiss Cooperation was choosing a marginalized village and designing projects to address all the different needs of its people together, rather than treating those needs separately.
“They didn’t impose predetermined projects on people. Instead, they went directly to the people, listened to their real needs, and developed projects accordingly, integrating multiple sectors. I consider this the main reason to their success,” the Governor said.
He noted that a people-centered approach, coordination with government institutions, and transparency are essential for the sustainability of development projects and for ensuring that their benefits reach the people.
This event was held to mark Switzerland’s 70 year journey in Sri Lanka, highlighting its past development and humanitarian work, especially projects carried out in the Northern and Eastern provinces. A photo exhibition under the theme “70 Years; 70 Faces” was also part of the event. Hon. N. Vethanayahan, Governor of Northern Province and the Ambassador of Switzerland jointly inaugurated the exhibition.
Embassy officials of Switzerland, former representatives of Swiss cooperation agencies, government officers, and society representatives attended the event.
