Politics · Sri Lanka Bureau
Legal team to seek Saudi pardon for death-row Sri Lankan national
Sri Lanka is mounting a diplomatic and legal effort to secure clemency for Sivarasa Anojan, a national facing capital punishment in Saudi Arabia. Two prominent lawyers have agreed to travel to the Gulf kingdom to pursue a pardon.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath announced in Parliament on September 22 that President's Counsel Faiszer Musthapha and President's Counsel Upul Kumarapperuma have committed to representing Sivarasa Anojan in his death penalty case. The two senior lawyers have also agreed to undertake a special delegation to Saudi Arabia to pursue clemency options for the condemned Sri Lankan.
Anjan's death sentence in Saudi Arabia has prompted government intervention at the highest levels. Herath's statement to lawmakers signals the administration's intent to exhaust all available legal avenues and diplomatic channels to address the case.
The involvement of two prominent President's Counsel underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the matter. Their planned visit to Saudi Arabia will focus on exploring possibilities for a pardon, a significant step in what has become a pressing consular issue for Sri Lanka.
Capital cases involving Sri Lankan nationals abroad have periodically attracted government attention and prompted similar diplomatic interventions. The deployment of experienced legal counsel reflects standard practice in such sensitive matters where the life of a citizen hangs in the balance.