Anojan Sivarasa released from Saudi custody, minister announces

Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath has announced that Anojan Sivarasa, who was facing charges before a Saudi Arabian court, has been released.

Herath said the government would take the necessary diplomatic steps to bring Sivarasa back to Sri Lanka in the coming days.

Sivarasa’s family members visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today and expressed their gratitude to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the Foreign Affairs Ministry, and all government institutions and officials who contributed to securing his release.

The minister said the release was made possible through the guidance of President Dissanayake, diplomatic intervention by the Sri Lankan government, and the continued efforts of relevant officials. He also extended his appreciation to the Saudi government, the Saudi judiciary, diplomatic institutions and officials from both countries, as well as the team of lawyers who travelled to Saudi Arabia to assist in the case.

A Saudi Arabian Court of Appeal in the Eastern Region sentenced Sivarasa to death on September 17, 2026, over charges relating to a Facebook post deemed offensive. Following diplomatic and other interventions, the Saudi court overturned the death sentence on October 14. Diplomatic efforts continued to secure his release from the remaining penalties imposed on him.

The Saudi Public Prosecution Office decided on November 9, 2026, not to pursue further legal proceedings in the case. As a result of these continued efforts, Sivarasa has now been released. The Sri Lankan government is expected to take the necessary steps to facilitate his return to the country.