Sri Lankan National Sentenced To 5 Years In Saudi Arabia; Foreign Ministry Closely Monitoring Case

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism says it has been closely following the case of Anojan Sivarasa, a Sri Lankan national, currently undergoing judicial proceedings in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Ministry says it continues to monitor the developments through the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Riyadh and in coordination with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Colombo.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry, diplomatic discussions with Saudi authorities are also underway, regarding the case. 

The Ministry said it is taking appropriate steps to safeguard Anojan Sivarasa’s interests and provide him with all possible assistance.

Sri Lankan national Anojan Sivarasa has been sentenced to five years in prison and fined three million Saudi Riyals after being found guilty of posting content on social media that was deemed insulting to a religion.

Sivarasa, who is from Natpittimunai in Kalmunai, travelled to Saudi Arabia for employment nine months ago.