Sri Lankan-Born Farah Rumy Breaks Barriers in Swiss Cantonal Politics

From a young migrant adapting to life in a new country to a national legislator shaping public policy, Farah Rumy’s journey stands as a powerful testament to resilience, service, and the growing influence of diaspora voices in European politics.

Farah Rumy has made history by becoming the first Sri Lankan woman elected to a Swiss Cantonal Parliament, securing a seat in the Solothurn Parliament. Her achievement marks a significant milestone not only for the Sri Lankan community in Switzerland but also for immigrant representation in Swiss politics.

Born in Sri Lanka and educated at Bishop’s College, Colombo, Farah migrated to Switzerland with her parents in 1998, at the age of six. Like many migrant children, she grew up navigating a new culture, language, and identity—experiences that would later shape her commitment to public service and social inclusion.

Farah pursued a career in healthcare, beginning with her training and internship as a nurse. Demonstrating academic excellence and determination, she went on to complete higher education at the University of Bern, earning a Master’s degree in Health Science. Today, she serves as a Healthcare Specialist in the Cardiology Unit at the cantonal hospital in Solothurn, where she continues to work on the frontline of patient care.

Alongside her professional career, Farah has been deeply involved in community engagement. With a strong interest in intergenerational dialogue, she has actively worked on initiatives that bridge the gap between younger and older generations. One of her most impactful projects, titled “I Gift a Letter,” encouraged young people to send letters, drawings, poems, and personal messages to elderly residents in retirement and nursing homes. The initiative aimed to combat loneliness and provide emotional comfort to seniors, particularly those living in isolation.

Farah also serves as the President of the non-profit organisation “Restessbar” Grenchen, a charitable initiative focused on reducing food waste while supporting vulnerable communities. The project collects high-quality surplus food from supermarkets and places it in public refrigerators across Grenchen, allowing underprivileged families to access food free of charge. The initiative has been widely praised for combining sustainability with social responsibility.

Her political breakthrough came on 7 March 2021, when she was elected to the Solothurn Parliament. Competing among 538 candidates for 100 parliamentary seats, Farah ranked among the top five candidates of the Social Democratic Party (SP), securing her seat with 3,522 votes—a remarkable achievement for a first-time candidate.

Farah Rumy’s election is widely regarded as more than a symbolic victory. It represents tangible progress in diversity, inclusion, and political representation, highlighting the meaningful contributions of Sri Lankans living abroad and the growing role of migrant communities in shaping European democracies.

Her journey continues to inspire young people—particularly women from migrant backgrounds—demonstrating that dedication, community service, and leadership can transcend borders and redefine representation on the global stage.