Five Sri Lankan media organisations have jointly appealed to the leadership of Saudi Arabia to grant clemency to Sri Lankan national Sivarasa Anojan, who is facing a death sentence, urging authorities to spare his life on humanitarian grounds.
In a joint statement issued on September 22, the organisations appealed to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Saudi leadership to exercise mercy and compassion as Anojan’s case proceeds through the remaining judicial safeguards.
The organisations said they fully respect Saudi Arabia’s judicial process, while stressing that the case also has a significant humanitarian dimension.
“As media organisations representing Sri Lanka’s diverse communities – Sinhala, Tamil and Muslims alike – we affirm our shared commitment to respect for all religions, religious harmony, responsible expression and peaceful coexistence,” the statement said.
They also highlighted the values of mercy, forgiveness, repentance and compassion in Islam, and urged the Sri Lankan Government to continue diplomatic engagement at the highest level.
The organisations called on the Government to pursue every available legal and humanitarian avenue to seek a compassionate resolution to the case.
The statement noted that Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that it is closely monitoring Anojan’s case and engaging with Saudi authorities through diplomatic channels.
The five organisations said granting clemency would be deeply appreciated by the people of Sri Lanka and could further strengthen the longstanding friendship between Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia.
“At a time when the life of a Sri Lankan citizen hangs in the balance, we believe that every possible effort must be made to preserve life and facilitate his safe return to his family,” the statement said.
The joint appeal was issued by the Free Media Movement, South Asian Women in Media, Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association, Tamil Media Alliance, and Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum.
