Sajith Premadasa Thanks All Who Helped Overturn Anojan Sivarasa’s Death Sentence

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has expressed his gratitude to the Government of Saudi Arabia and everyone who contributed to overturning the death sentence imposed on Sri Lankan engineer Anojan Sivarasa.

Premadasa said he was delighted by the Saudi Supreme Court’s decision to set aside the death sentence, describing the outcome as a major relief and expressing his appreciation to those who worked to protect Sivarasa’s right to life.

He specifically thanked President’s Counsel Faiszer Musthapha, President’s Counsel Upul Kumarapperuma and the other lawyers involved in the legal efforts. He also acknowledged the contribution of the Saudi Ambassador to Sri Lanka and others who supported the case.

The Opposition Leader said he and his team had also made every possible effort to help save Sivarasa’s life.

Premadasa extended his appreciation to the Saudi Supreme Court and the King of Saudi Arabia for the outcome, recognising the role of the Saudi authorities in the decision.

Legal and Diplomatic Efforts

Sivarasa faced a death sentence imposed by a Saudi appellate court in September over a social media post deemed insulting to Islam and the Prophet Muhammad. The sentence followed an earlier ruling that had imposed a prison term and a fine.

Sri Lankan lawyers subsequently worked with their Saudi counterparts to challenge the death sentence before the Saudi Supreme Court, with support from Sri Lanka’s diplomatic mission.

The court’s decision to set aside the death sentence on October 13, 2026, marked a significant development in the case and brought relief to Sivarasa’s family and those campaigning on his behalf.

Premadasa thanked all those who contributed to the legal and diplomatic efforts, expressing happiness that Sivarasa’s life had been spared.