President Assures Support To Anojan After Saudi Court Drops Death Sentence

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has welcomed the decision by the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia to set aside the death sentence imposed on Sri Lankan national Anojan Sivarasa, describing it as a significant relief for the Sri Lankan worker, his family and all those who closely followed the case.

In a statement posted on X, the President said the decision reflects the value of patient diplomacy, respect for the legal processes of a friendly nation and the tireless efforts of those who stood by a Sri Lankan citizen overseas during a complex legal battle.

The ruling, delivered on October 13, 2026, quashed an earlier Court of Appeal judgment that had imposed the death penalty on Sivarasa, who had initially been sentenced to five years' imprisonment over a social media comment while working in Saudi Arabia.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra said the Sri Lankan Government, acting under the guidance of President Dissanayake and Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath, pursued every available diplomatic, consular and legal avenue to secure relief for the Sri Lankan national.

According to Hemachandra, Sivarasa's family met both the President and the Foreign Minister during the course of the case, while Sri Lanka's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and embassy officials engaged extensively with senior Saudi authorities.

A special Sri Lankan legal delegation travelled to Saudi Arabia and worked alongside Saudi legal professionals in pursuing the appeal before the Saudi Supreme Court. The Government also undertook to bear the necessary legal expenses associated with the case, including reimbursing costs previously incurred by Sivarasa's family.

The legal team included Member of Parliament and President's Counsel Faiszer Musthapha, Sri Lanka's Consul General in Jeddah Justice M.T. Mohamed Laffar, Additional Solicitor General Hafeez Azard Navavi, President's Counsel K.A. Upul Indika Kumarapperuma, Attorney-at-Law Farisz Fazal Abdul Hafeel Mohomed and Coordinating Secretary Mohamed Riyasdeen Silmy.

President Dissanayake expressed his appreciation to the Government of Saudi Arabia for its cooperation and extended thanks to Saudi and Sri Lankan diplomats, civil servants and legal professionals who contributed to the outcome.

The President further assured that the Government would continue to provide all necessary support to Anojan Sivarasa and his family as the remaining legal processes are concluded.