Sri Lankan faces death sentence in Saudi Arabia: Foreign Ministry closely monitors situation
– The Sri Lankan Government is closely following the case of Sri Lankan national Anojan Sivarasa, who is currently undergoing judicial proceedings in Saudi Arabia over alleged defamatory remarks against Islam.According to sources from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Sri Lankan Embassy in Riyadh had been verbally informed by Sivarasa’s lawyer, who was present at the relevant court proceedings that the sentence imposed on him had reportedly been enhanced to capital punishment. However, the Embassy is awaiting the formal written judgment from the competent Saudi judicial authorities, which will provide the official details and legal basis of the decision.The sources said the matter has been discussed with the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Colombo, with the Sri Lankan Government conveying its deep concern, as well as the concerns of Sivarasa’s family, regarding the reported enhancement of the sentence. The lawyer has informed the Embassy that the judgment may be appealed before the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia within one month.
Accordingly, the Sri Lankan Embassy, in consultation with and under the guidance of the Ministry, is taking necessary measures to pursue an appeal within the stipulated timeframe, in coordination with Sivarasa’s next of kin.Mr. Sivarasa had previously been sentenced to five years’ imprisonment and a fine of three million Saudi Riyals. His appeal memorandum was submitted by his lawyer to the competent appellate court in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia on August 25, 2026.The Ministry said the Sri Lankan Government remains engaged in the matter through its diplomatic network and bilateral channels with the relevant Saudi authorities, while continuing to provide consular assistance to Mr. Sivarasa and his family.
The Government will continue to monitor developments while respecting the judicial processes and laws of Saudi Arabia, the Ministry said.
