Projects

Sri Lanka, Direct Action Wash and Disaster Risk Reduction after Cyclone “Ditwah” in 2025

01.04.2026 - 31.12.2026

Cyclone “Ditwah” hit Sri Lanka on 27 November 2025, causing the death 640 peoples, flooding, landslides, and damages to roads and water systems. Switzerland deployed a Rapid Response Team to assess needs and implement relief measures. Actions included water distribution, technical training, village-level repairs, and cash support via local partners. A follow-up project will strengthen disaster-resilient drinking water access and activate existing water treatment units.

Sri Lanka, SET Tropical Storm Ditwah

03.12.2025 - 30.06.2026

Sri Lanka is grappling with one of its worst natural disasters in recent history. Cyclone Ditwah struck Sri Lanka at the end of November 2025 with unprecedented force, unleashing days of torrential rain that triggered severe flooding and landslides across all 25 districts of the country. Given the devastating situation, the Swiss Humanitarian Aid decided to deploy a Rapid Response Team (SET), focusing on WASH, and possible additional sectors like NFI, CVA and/or shelter.

Vocational Training in Sri Lanka (VTSL)

01.06.2023 - 30.06.2026

The effects of the crisis in Sri Lanka had negative effects on the vocational training sector and are strongly affecting the country’s population and its access to work. On the basis of the Swiss - Sri Lankan migration partnership, the proposed project will improve the quality of vocational training, make it accessible to young women and men from rural areas, members of minorities, and people with disabilities in Sri Lanka in line with the market’s demand.

Sri Lanka WFP Building resilience against recurrent natural shocks through the diversification of livelihoods

01.11.2022 - 30.06.2023

In 2022 Sri Lanka faced a severe economic crisis affecting all, but especially rural communities and small holder farmers. Switzerland has a migration partnership with Sri Lanka, and has therefore a special interest to support the population. With this proposal, Switzerland contributes to a multi-year resilience and early recovery programme of the World Food Programme, and fills a critical short term funding gap between two phases. The support enables farmers to diversify their livelihoods.

Sri Lanka: Skills for Sustainable Growth

01.11.2022 - 31.12.2026

The current crisis in Sri Lanka is strongly affecting the country’s population. Switzerland and Sri Lanka have a migration partnership. Therefore, Switzerland has a strong interest in supporting skills development in the country. This project will train the Sri Lankan Vocational Training Authority to deliver an international standard curriculum in the hospitality sector to its students, combined with practical learning in hotels. Hence, the students will have better access to employment opportunities.

Contribution to the UNICEF Sri Lanka Appeal 2022

10.06.2022 - 31.12.2023

In 2022 Sri Lanka plunged into a grave economic and political crisis. As a consequence, Sri Lanka was unable to procure basic supplies like fuel, medicines, fertilizer and food. The poor in particular are severely affected and suffering from hunger. Malnutrition among children increased rapidely. In May, OCHA launched a Humanitarian Needs and Priority Plan, and UNICEF launched a Humanitarina Action Plan for Children (HAC) to which the present Credit Proposal contributes.

Decent work, protection and well-being for migrant workers and their families in Sri Lanka

01.09.2020 - 31.08.2024

The programme aims to maximise the benefits of migration for sustainable development in Sri Lanka. It will support government institutions and other actors in implementing policies related to fair and ethical recruitment, skills development and provide reintegration support for returning migrants in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. A special focus is placed on elevating migrant workers’ voices in advocacy. The intervention creates entry points to engage with the newly elected government in Sri Lanka. 

Sri Lanka, Floods 2017, Sarvodaya, Provision of immediate relief and supporting recovery of flood-affected communities

01.06.2017 - 31.07.2017

Migration for social well-being and economic development in Sri Lanka

01.03.2016 - 31.12.2020

Every year, large numbers of Sri Lankans leave their country to work abroad for a few years, usually in the Gulf States. They thereby further Sri Lanka's economic development but at the same time risk having their basic human rights, and their labour rights in particular, violated. That is why the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is working for the establishment of a framework that ensures decent working conditions for migrant workers in the region.

First Allocation of SDC Funding to ICRC Operations in 2015

01.01.2015 - 31.12.2015

In line with the Good Humanitarian Donorship (GHD) principles, Switzerland recognizes the necessity of predictable and flexible funding to respond to changing needs in humanitarian crises. SDC funding to ICRC operations allows the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to respond proactively and to provide immediate protection and assistance for people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence.

Improving preschool education in line with the national “Starting Right Guidelines”

01.08.2013 - 31.07.2015

First Allocation of SDC Funding to ICRC Operations in 2013 in Afghanistan, DPR of Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka

01.01.2013 - 31.12.2013

In line with the Good Humanitarian Donorship (GHD) principles, Switzerland recognizes the necessity of predictable and flexible funding for responding to changing needs in humanitarian crises. SDC funding to ICRC operations allows the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to respond proactively and to provide immediate protection and assistance for people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence.