Big relief for the family of Anojan Sivarasa. The Sri Lankan youth no longer faces charges in Saudi Arabia as the Public Prosecution has discontinued his case, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath confirmed.
While Sivarasa remains in custody at present, authorities expect to bring him home to Sri Lanka within a week or two.
From Death Sentence to Freedom
Trouble began on 17 September 2026 when a Saudi Court of Appeal in the Eastern Region handed Sivarasa a death sentence over charges related to an allegedly offensive Facebook post.
Following diplomatic talks and other interventions, the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia overturned the capital punishment on 14 October 2026. Officials kept pushing to clear him of all remaining penalties, leading to the Saudi Public Prosecution Office completely halting proceedings on 9 November 2026.
Diplomatic Efforts and Thanks
Speaking at a press briefing, Minister Herath credited the guidance and diplomatic steps taken by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, alongside Sri Lankan officials and a team of lawyers who travelled to Saudi Arabia.
He also thanked the Saudi Arabian government, its judiciary, and diplomatic representatives from both nations. Sivarasa's family members visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today to express their gratitude to the President and all officials who worked to secure his release.
What happens next
Anojan Sivarasa is expected to be brought back to Sri Lanka within a week or two.
