Five Sri Lankan media organisations have jointly appealed to the leadership of Saudi Arabia to grant clemency to Sri Lankan national Sivarasa Anojan, urging authorities to spare his life on humanitarian grounds.
In a joint statement dated September 22, the organisations appealed to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Saudi leadership to exercise mercy and compassion as Anojan’s case proceeds through the country’s remaining judicial safeguards.
The organisations said they fully respect Saudi Arabia’s judicial process but believe the case also carries a profound humanitarian dimension.
“As media organisations representing Sri Lanka’s diverse communities – Sinhala, Tamil and Muslims alike – we affirm our shared commitment to respect for all religions, religious harmony, responsible expression and peaceful coexistence,” the statement said.
The organisations also acknowledged the importance of mercy, forgiveness, repentance and compassion in Islam.
They urged the Sri Lankan government to continue diplomatic engagement at the highest level and pursue every available legal and humanitarian avenue to secure a compassionate resolution.
The statement noted that Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed it is closely following Anojan’s case and engaging Saudi authorities through diplomatic channels.
The organisations said granting clemency would be deeply appreciated by the people of Sri Lanka and would further strengthen the longstanding friendship between the two countries.
“At a time when the life of a Sri Lankan citizen hangs in the balance, we believe that every possible effort must be made to preserve life and facilitate his safe return to his family,” the statement said.
The joint appeal was issued by the Free Media Movement, South Asian Women in Media, Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association, Tamil Media Alliance and Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum. (Newswire)
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