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Saudi Arabia overturns death sentence for Sri Lankan national Sivarasa

The Saudi Arabian Supreme Court has set aside a death sentence imposed on Sri Lankan national Anojan Sivarasa, marking a significant legal victory. Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Arun Hemachandra attributed the outcome to sustained diplomatic and legal efforts by Sri Lankan authorities.

LSN Sri Lanka · 15 October 2026

Sri Lanka's Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Arun Hemachandra announced the development via social media on Tuesday, describing the court's decision as a major relief for Sivarasa and his family.

The overturning of the death sentence represents the culmination of ongoing diplomatic and legal engagement between Colombo and Riyadh regarding the case. Sri Lankan authorities have maintained active efforts to secure a favorable outcome for the national throughout the legal proceedings.

The case had drawn significant attention in Sri Lanka, with the country's foreign ministry prioritizing the matter through official channels. The reversal of the capital sentence is expected to provide substantial relief to Sivarasa's family members and the wider Sri Lankan community affected by the case.

Details regarding the Supreme Court's reasoning for setting aside the sentence and any further legal proceedings remain under scrutiny. The development underscores the importance of diplomatic engagement in securing justice for Sri Lankan nationals facing legal challenges abroad.