Special Sri Lankan Delegation to Visit Saudi Arabia Over Anojan Sivarasa’s Death Sentence

05-Oct-2026

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A four-member special Sri Lankan delegation, including two President’s Counsel, is scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia on October 4 to pursue legal measures aimed at securing a reduction in the death sentence imposed on Anojan Sivarasa.

The delegation includes President’s Counsel Upul Kumarapperuma and Faiszer Musthapha.

President’s Counsel Kumarapperuma told the Kesari weekly newspaper that the delegation would examine in detail the legal procedures available for seeking a royal pardon for Anojan.

He said the team would explore how a request for clemency could be submitted to the Saudi government, headed by the King, without prejudicing the ongoing judicial proceedings.

The delegation will also carry a letter issued by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Kumarapperuma said.

The delegation is expected to meet representatives of two lawyers’ associations in Saudi Arabia on October 7 or October 8.

Meanwhile, the Mahanayake Theros of the Ramanna Maha Nikaya and the Amarapura Maha Nikaya have submitted a petition to the President, urging him to intervene at the government level to secure Anojan Sivarasa’s release.

An appeal seeking a reduction of his sentence is also expected to be filed before the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia through the Attorney General’s Department.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that the Sri Lankan Embassy in Saudi Arabia is closely monitoring the matter and maintaining coordination with Saudi authorities through diplomatic channels.