Shanakiyan urges action to save Sri Lankan facing reported Saudi death sentence
Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam has raised grave concerns over the reported death sentence handed down to Sivarasa Anojan, a Sri Lankan national in Saudi Arabia, urging the Government to act immediately to save his life.
In a statement posted on ‘X’, Shanakiyan said he intends to raise the matter in Parliament next week, questioning the Foreign Ministry’s handling of the case and the consular accountability surrounding the appeal process.
He noted that Anojan, who was initially sentenced to five years’ imprisonment and a fine of SAR 3 million, has reportedly received a death sentence following his appeal.
The MP said the family had proceeded with the appeal based on advice given by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arun Hemachandra, despite the Embassy’s own legal assessment describing the chances of success as “extremely low.”
According to Shanakiyan, the family paid Rs. 1,890,766 in legal fees into an account identified with the Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, after being instructed to do so.
Documents from the Consular Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs show that the appeal was filed on 24 August 2026, but the Ministry’s letter forwarding the appeal to the family was dated 16 September 2026, despite repeated requests for earlier access.
The appeal, submitted to the Court of Appeal in the Eastern Region, identifies Attorney Adlan Abdullah Al‑Subaie as counsel. However, the family claims that a different lawyer appeared in court and that they were never informed of his identity or contact details, he said.
Shanakiyan questioned the Ministry’s responsibility in ensuring proper legal representation and transparency once the family had paid the fees and followed official advice. “Who selected and instructed the lawyer who actually appeared? How was the money disbursed? Why was the appeal not provided to the family at the relevant time?” he asked.
He said these circumstances raise serious questions about possible failures in the consular and diplomatic handling of the case, which he will pursue in Parliament.
However, Shanakiyan stressed that accountability must not delay immediate action. “The Government must urgently secure experienced independent legal representation, pursue every remaining legal remedy and clemency process, and make diplomatic representations at the highest level in Saudi Arabia,” he said.
He added that every legal, consular, diplomatic, and humanitarian avenue must now be used to save Sivarasa Anojan’s life, emphasizing that “a Sri Lankan citizen’s life is at stake.”
According to reports, the Saudi Arabian Appellate Court has reportedly issued a death sentence to Sivarasa Anojan, a Sri Lankan migrant worker, for charges of Blasphemy. However, there is no official confirmation on the matter. (Newswire)
Sivarasa Anojan’s life must be saved.
I am planning to raise his case in Parliament next week following reports that his appeal in Saudi Arabia has resulted in a death sentence, after he was originally sentenced to five years’ imprisonment and a SAR 3 million fine.
There are… pic.twitter.com/1NMJoqF8W9
— Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam (@ShanakiyanR) September 18, 2026
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