The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka participated at the ‘WTO Open Day 2026’, held at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Headquarters in Geneva to mark the 100th anniversary of the Centre William Rappard. WTO Director General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala who visited the Sri Lanka stall…
The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka participated at the ‘WTO Open Day 2026’, held at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Headquarters in Geneva to mark the 100th anniversary of the Centre William Rappard.
WTO Director General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala who visited the Sri Lanka stall was received by Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador Sumith Dassanayake and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the WTO, Ambassador Samantha Wijesekara. The Sri Lanka stall offered visitors an authentic Sri Lankan culinary experience, including the much-loved Sri Lankan Kottu, showcasing the country’s rich food culture, hospitality, and people-to-people connection with the international community in Geneva. The event opened the WTO’s historic headquarters to the public, offering visitors guided tours, exhibitions, cultural activities, children’s programmes, live music, and an international buffet featuring cuisines from WTO members. The Centre William Rappard, the WTO’s home, is recognised as the first building in Geneva specifically constructed to house an international organisation. Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the WTO, Ambassador Samantha Wijesekara guided Sri Lanka’s unique contribution to the Open Day which highlighted not only the diversity of its culinary traditions but also its continued engagement with the WTO community and its commitment to cultural diplomacy. The event provided a valuable opportunity to share Sri Lanka’s identity, warmth, and traditions with visitors from Geneva and beyond. The event was supported by the Sri Lankan community in Geneva, specially, the Sri Lanka Association in Geneva (SLAG).