Parliamentary delegation proposed to travel to Saudi over Sivarasa’s case
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath told Parliament today that a delegation headed by Deputy Speaker Rizvi Salih, comprising both ruling party and opposition MPs, is being proposed to travel to Saudi Arabia to hand over a letter from the Sri Lankan government appealing against the death sentence imposed on migrant worker Anojan Sivarasa.
Briefing the Parliament, Minister Herath said that he himself intends to meet the Saudi Foreign Minister at the UN General Assembly next week, where he will press for alternatives such as granting a pardon, reducing the sentence, or securing a concession.
Minister Herath further revealed that President’s Counsels Upul Kumarapperuma and Faizer Mustapha have agreed to travel to Saudi Arabia at their own expense to coordinate with the representing legal firm and other authorities for legal intervention.
Outlining the government’s measures so far, the minister said the Sri Lankan Embassy in Riyadh is in direct contact with Sivarasa and providing consular support, while also tasked with reporting on possible appeal routes to higher courts in Saudi Arabia.
He noted that the government has undertaken to bear all current and future expenses related to the case, and continues diplomatic discussions with the Saudi Embassy in Colombo. A special presidential delegation is also being prepared to travel to Saudi Arabia.
“The government is taking its utmost measures regarding this matter,” he told Parliament, adding that Sivarasa’s family has been briefed on all steps taken. He urged all parties to act responsibly and avoid statements that could derail the measures or end in disharmony between the countries.
Providing details of the case, Minister Herath said that Sivarasa, a registered migrant worker, travelled to Saudi Arabia in September 2025. He lost his job after a Facebook post and was later arrested on July 2, 2026, accused of disrespecting Islam and Saudi law. On July 27, a three‑judge bench sentenced him under the anti‑cybercrime law to five years in prison and a fine of three million riyals. He issued a video apology on Facebook admitting his mistake.
The Sri Lankan Embassy received the judgment on July 31 and informed his family of the appeal process. His father consented to an appeal on August 4, and a memorandum of appeal was filed on August 24. However, following a Saudi government appeal under Sharia Law, the court on September 17 imposed the death sentence for insulting Prophet Mohammed.
Minister Herath went on to note that the written judgment, received on September 20 and translated on September 21, confirmed the ruling, suspended the fine, and ordered the deactivation of his Facebook account.
The government is now reviewing the judgment with Saudi and local legal experts while pursuing diplomatic, consular, and humanitarian channels to seek relief, he informed the Parliament. (Newswire)
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