Saudi Supreme Court overturns death sentence on Sri Lankan Anojan Sivarasa

The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has overturned the death sentence imposed on Sri Lankan national Anojan Sivarasa, the Government said on Wednesday.

The decision was made on 13 October following sustained diplomatic and legal efforts by Sri Lanka.

The Government said the ruling marked a significant development in the case and would bring considerable relief to Sivarasa and his family.

It said the outcome was the result of continued intervention and coordination by the relevant authorities and legal teams.

The Government expressed its gratitude to the Government of Saudi Arabia, the Sri Lankan Ambassador in Saudi Arabia, the Secretary and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, the Chairman and members of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment, and the Sri Lankan and Saudi legal teams for their assistance in securing the decision.