Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry Issues Statement on Anojan’s Saudi Arabia Case

SL Media- September 18, 2026

Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it is closely monitoring the case of Anojan Sivarasa, a Sri Lankan national undergoing judicial proceedings in Saudi Arabia, amid claims by his family that he has been sentenced to death following an appeal.

In a statement issued on September 18, the Ministry said the Sri Lankan Embassy in Riyadh, in coordination with the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Colombo, continues to monitor developments.

The Ministry said it remains engaged with Saudi authorities through diplomatic channels and is taking appropriate steps to safeguard Sivarasa’s interests and provide him with all possible assistance.

However, the statement did not confirm the reported death sentence or provide details of the charges against him, the outcome of his appeal or his current legal status.

The case stems from a social media comment allegedly posted by Sivarasa while working in Saudi Arabia, which was considered insulting to Islam and the Prophet Muhammad. According to his family, the comment was made during an online dispute involving religious communities in Sri Lanka.

On July 15, a Saudi court sentenced him to five years in prison and imposed a fine of three million Saudi riyals. His lawyer subsequently appealed the ruling, with the support of Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry, seeking a reduction in the punishment.

According to his family, they have since been informed that the sentence was increased to capital punishment.

The Sri Lankan Embassy is awaiting the formal written judgment, which is expected to clarify the legal basis for the reported decision.