Anojan Sivarasa Wins Lifeline as Saudi Court Overturns Death Sentence

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has set aside the death sentence imposed on Sri Lankan national Anojan Sivarasa, said Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arun Hemachandra in a facebook post on Wednesday (14).

Hemachandra described the decision as a major relief for Sivarasa and his family, noting that the ruling followed sustained diplomatic and legal efforts by the Government of Sri Lanka.

According to the Deputy Foreign Minister, the Saudi Supreme Court delivered its decision on 13 October 2026, overturning the judgment that had imposed the death penalty on the Sri Lankan national.

Hemachandra expressed appreciation to the Government of Saudi Arabia for its cooperation throughout the process and acknowledged the contributions of Sri Lanka's diplomatic mission and legal teams.

He also thanked Sri Lanka's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Chairman and members of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment, as well as the Sri Lankan and Saudi legal teams for their dedication and commitment in pursuing the case. Recently, a Sri Lankan delegation of legal experts travelled to Saudi Arabia regarding the commutation of the death sentence imposed on Sri Lankan national Sivarasa Anojan.

The Sri Lankan legal expert team comprises:

(i) Mohamed Faiszer Musthapha, Member of Parliament and President’s Counsel;

(ii) Justice M.T. Mohamed Laffar, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Jeddah;

(iii) Hafeez Azard Navavi, PC, Additional Solicitor General, Department of the Attorney General;

(iv) K.A. Upul Indika Kumarapperuma, President’s Counsel;

(v) Farisz Fazal Abdul Hafeel Mohomed, Attorney-at-Law; and

(vi) Mohamed Riyasdeen Silmy, Coordinating Secretary to MP Faiszer Musthapha