Switzerland stresses diplomatic safety in Sri Lanka arrest

The Swiss Embassy in Sri Lanka said that the safety of diplomatic missions is the responsibility of the host state, days after a local staffer who complained of being assaulted was released on bail while being investigated for maligning the government.

Before her arrest, the Sri Lankan employee had reportedly said she was abducted, held for hours, sexually assaulted and threatened by captors who demanded that she disclose embassy-related information.

She was granted bail on Monday after two weeks of detention on charges that she made statements to create disaffection toward the government and fabricated evidence.

Sri Lankan authorities have said they investigated her complaint but found no evidence to file charges against anyone.

In a diplomatic note released to the media Tuesday evening, Switzerland said it is the responsibility of any government to protect the diplomatic missions of other states.

Switzerland said the relationship between the two countries was marred by misunderstandings surrounding the incident.

However, it said it hoped for a swift return to an environment conducive to resuming the positive cooperation."