Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath told Parliament today that Sri Lanka is preparing to send a delegation comprising both government and opposition MPs to Saudi Arabia to seek relief for migrant worker Sivarasa Anojan, who has been sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia.
The proposed delegation, headed by Deputy Speaker Rizvie Salih, is expected to hand over a letter from the Sri Lankan Government appealing against the death sentence.
Minister Herath said he also plans to meet his Saudi counterpart on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly next week, where he intends to seek possible alternatives, including a pardon, a reduction of the sentence or other concessions.
He further told Parliament that President’s Counsels Upul Kumarapperuma and Faizer Mustapha have agreed to travel to Saudi Arabia at their own expense to coordinate with the legal firm representing Anojan and explore possible legal avenues.
The Minister said the Sri Lankan Embassy in Riyadh remains in direct contact with Anojan and is providing consular assistance. The Embassy has also been tasked with examining possible avenues for appeals before higher Saudi courts.
The Government has undertaken to cover the current and future expenses related to the case and is continuing discussions with Saudi authorities through diplomatic channels. A separate special presidential delegation is also being prepared to travel to Saudi Arabia.
According to Herath, Anojan travelled to Saudi Arabia in September 2025 as a registered migrant worker. He subsequently lost his employment following a Facebook post and was arrested on July 2, 2026, over allegations relating to Islam and Saudi law.
The Minister said a Saudi court initially sentenced Anojan to five years’ imprisonment and a fine of three million Saudi riyals. Anojan subsequently issued a video apology on Facebook acknowledging his mistake.
The Sri Lankan Embassy received the initial judgment on July 31 and informed his family about the appeal process. His father consented to an appeal on August 4, and a memorandum of appeal was filed on August 24.
Herath said that following an appeal by the Saudi prosecution, the sentence was subsequently increased to death on September 17 in a case concerning allegations of insulting Prophet Muhammad.
The Government received the written judgment on September 20 and completed its translation on September 21. Herath said the judgment confirmed the ruling, suspended the fine and ordered the deactivation of Anojan’s Facebook account.
The Government is now reviewing the judgment with Saudi and Sri Lankan legal experts while pursuing legal, diplomatic, consular and humanitarian avenues in an effort to seek relief for Anojan.
Minister Herath also urged all parties to act responsibly and avoid statements that could interfere with ongoing efforts or affect relations between Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia.
