President instructs officials to expedite measures for Sivarasa Anojan, sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake instructed officials to continue the necessary diplomatic engagement with the relevant authorities in Saudi Arabia and to maintain close and continuous involvement in all further measures concerning Sivarasa Anojan, a young Sri Lankan national who has been sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia.

The instruction was given at a discussion held at the Presidential Secretariat on the afternoon of the 21st under the President’s patronage to review further measures that could be taken regarding Anojan. The discussion focused on the measures taken to date, further diplomatic and legal steps that could be pursued, and expediting the necessary further measures that could be taken to secure his release.

Reaffirming the Government’s continued attention to the safety and welfare of Sri Lankans living and working overseas, the President stressed the need for the relevant ministries and institutions to work in close coordination and pursue all possible measures that could be taken in connection with the case.

Deputy Speaker Rizvie Salih, Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs Muneer Mulaffer, Governor of the Western Province Hanif Yusoof, Secretary - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Aruni Ranaraja, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism were also present at the discussion.