Govt welcomes formal closure of case against Anojan Sivarasa in Saudi Arabia

The Government of Sri Lanka today welcomed the decision of the Public Prosecution of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia not to pursue further proceedings in the case concerning Sri Lankan national Anojan Sivarasa and to formally close the case.

This positive development follows the decision of the Supreme Court of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 13 October 2026 to set aside the death sentence previously imposed on Mr. Sivarasa and remit the case for further proceedings before the Al-Ahsa Criminal Court.

At the hearing on 27 October 2026, the Court referred the matter to the Public Prosecution for further investigation in accordance with the applicable legal procedures.

Following the completion of the subsequent investigative process, the Public Prosecution decided not to pursue further proceedings and formally close the case.

Consequently, all sentences previously imposed on Mr. Sivarasa have been set aside and are no longer in force, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism said.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, today met with the members of Mr. Sivarasa's family at the Ministry and briefed them on the latest developments, including the formal closure of the case and the arrangements currently underway to facilitate Mr. Sivarasa’s return to Sri Lanka.

“The Government of Sri Lanka expresses its sincere appreciation to the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the relevant Saudi authorities for their cooperation and constructive engagement throughout this process, and for the positive outcome achieved through the established legal and institutional processes of the Kingdom,” the statement said.

The Government also acknowledged the concerted efforts of the Sri Lankan legal experts who undertook a visit to Riyadh to provide legal assistance in coordination with the Saudi legal experts, as well as the sustained diplomatic engagement of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Riyadh in consultation with this Ministry.

These efforts were undertaken in close coordination with the relevant Saudi authorities, with due regard for and full respect for the sovereignty, legal framework and judicial processes of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, it said.

The Ministry, through the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Riyadh remains in close coordination with the relevant Saudi authorities to ensure the completion of the requisite legal and administrative formalities for Mr. Sivarasa’s early return to Sri Lanka, the statement added.

“The Government of Sri Lanka remains firmly committed to safeguarding the welfare, dignity, and interests of Sri Lankan nationals overseas and will continue to extend all possible diplomatic, legal and consular assistance to its citizens through Diplomatic Missions abroad.”