The mother of Sri Lankan migrant worker Sivarasa Anojan has issued an urgent public plea to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Sri Lankan government, begging for intervention to secure her son’s safe return after he was sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia.
Key Highlights
- Sivarasa Anojan was sentenced to death by a Saudi Appellate Court over a Facebook comment deemed insulting to Prophet Muhammad.
- Anojan’s mother has appealed directly to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for urgent state intervention.
- The Sri Lankan government is actively coordinating legal appeals while simultaneously pursuing diplomatic avenues, including a royal pardon.
The death sentence was handed down by the Saudi Arabian Appellate Court following allegations that Anojan posted a comment on Facebook deemed offensive to the Prophet Muhammad. The severe ruling has sparked immediate outrage and deep anxiety for his family back in Sri Lanka.
In response to the crisis, Sri Lankan officials confirmed that the state is pursuing both legal and diplomatic strategies to assist the condemned worker. Addressing a post-Cabinet media briefing, Cabinet spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa stated that the government remains in close consultation with Anojan’s family to coordinate a formal legal appeal.
Alongside legal measures, Sri Lanka is leveraging diplomatic channels to seek clemency from the Saudi government. Strategic options under consideration include requesting a royal pardon or negotiating a reduction of his sentence to ensure Anojan can return home safely.