The “Schweizerischer Hülfsverein in Ceylon” was founded on 15 September 1993. Later renamed the “Swiss Benevolent Society in Ceylon”, its purpose was to provide assistance to compatriots in need. The Swiss Benevolent Society was dissolved in 1988 and succeeded by the Swiss Circle Sri Lanka which had been established on 27 April 1956. The goal of the newer organisation was to promote social activities among Swiss nationals in Ceylon.
In the beginning, the committee was formed by senior executives of Swiss companies operating in Sri Lanka such as A. Baur & Co. Ltd and Volkart Brothers. Nowadays, the membership elects proposed members into the committee during the Annual General Meeting.