Thursday Oct 15, 2026
Thursday Oct 15, 2026
Thursday, 15 October 2026 05:57 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
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Anojan Sivarasa |
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has set aside the death sentence imposed on Sri Lankan national Anojan Sivarasa, marking a significant breakthrough in the country’s diplomatic and legal efforts to secure a favourable outcome in his case.
Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra announced the development yesterday (14), describing it as “a major relief for Anojan Sivarasa” following continued efforts by the Government of Sri Lanka.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry of also confirmed the decision in a statement, saying it brings immense relief to Sivarasa and his family.
The Government expressed its appreciation to the Government of Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment, and the Sri Lankan and Saudi legal teams for their dedicated efforts.
As part of these efforts, a Sri Lankan delegation comprising legal experts travelled to Saudi Arabia to engage with the relevant authorities on the case and explore avenues for challenging the death sentence.
The delegation included Member of Parliament Mohamed Faiszer Musthapha, PC; Consul General of Sri Lanka in Jeddah M.T. Mohamed Laffar; Attorney General’s Department Additional Solicitor General Hafeez Azard Navavi, PC; K. A. Upul Indika Kumarapperuma PC, Attorney-at-Law Farisz Fazal Abdul Hafeel Mohomed and Coordinating Secretary to MP Musthapha Mohamed Riyasdeen Silmy.
During the visit, the delegation met Saudi legal representatives to discuss the case and determine the appropriate procedures for filing an appeal before the Saudi Supreme Court.
Musthapha said discussions were held with local lawyers to ensure the appeal was prepared and submitted in accordance with Saudi Arabian law.
Sivarasa had been sentenced to death by a Saudi appellate court in a case reportedly linked to allegations of blasphemy arising from a comment he posted on Facebook.
Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa had also previously stated that diplomatic efforts were underway to seek a reduction in the sentence.
