Parents of Sivarasa Anojan meet President over Saudi death sentence

The parents of Mr Sivarasa Anojan, a young Sri Lankan national sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia, met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential secretariat this morning (21) and appealed to him to intervene urgently and take the necessary steps to safeguard his life.

During the meeting, the parents briefed the President on the situation concerning their son. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake listened attentively to their concerns and stated that the Government is making every possible effort to secure a pardon for Mr Sivarasa Anojan, including through legal and diplomatic channels. The President further stated that steps would be taken to make a formal written diplomatic appeal to the King of Saudi Arabia seeking a pardon in this regard.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath also stated that the Ministry is continuously following up on the case through the Sri Lankan Embassy in Saudi Arabia and taking the necessary steps through diplomatic channels with the Saudi authorities.

Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs Muneer Mulaffer and members of Mr Sivarasa Anojan’s family were also present.