Death Sentence Against Anojan Overturned; Family Awaits His Return Home

15-Oct-2026

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The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has overturned the death sentence imposed on 24-year-old Sivaraasa Anojan of Narpittimunai, Kalmunai.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra announced the development.

Anojan had faced blasphemy allegations over comments concerning religion that he posted on social media. He was initially sentenced to five years in prison and fined three million Saudi riyals. Following an appeal pursued with the assistance of Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the case subsequently resulted in a death sentence.

The death sentence has now been overturned following diplomatic efforts by the Sri Lankan Government, appeals by his family, legal interventions and representations by religious leaders, political representatives and human rights organisations.

Anojan travelled to Saudi Arabia in September 2025 for employment.

In June 2026, a video circulated on social media showing a dog known as Subramaniam being attacked. The dog had reportedly accompanied pilgrims on a foot pilgrimage to Kataragama.

Religious exchanges followed the circulation of the video. A comment made by Anojan in response to a Facebook post was subsequently alleged to have insulted the Prophet Muhammad.

Anojan deleted the comment and released a video apologising for it. However, screenshots of the post were sent to Saudi authorities, who intervened in the matter.

Anojan was arrested on July 1, and his mobile phone and other electronic devices were seized.

On July 27, the Al-Ahsa Criminal Court sentenced him to five years in prison and imposed a fine of three million Saudi riyals.

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath subsequently stated that an appeal seeking a reduction of the sentence on Anojan’s behalf had been rejected.

Sri Lanka then lodged a further appeal. The case was considered under Sharia law rather than under the penalty provisions of Saudi Arabia’s cybercrime legislation. On the 17th of the previous month, the court imposed the death penalty.

Anojan’s mother, Rasamanickam Yogalakshmi, made an emotional appeal for her son to be pardoned and returned to Sri Lanka.

His sibling, Hamsithan Sivaraasa, also sought assistance on behalf of the family.

The family said it had received no information from Anojan after September 28. As diplomatic efforts were under way, the Government advised the family not to disclose further details publicly.

On the 21st of the previous month, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met Anojan’s family, including civil society activist Rajkumar Rajeevkanth.

During the meeting, the President assured them that the Government would make every effort to secure a pardon and bring Anojan back to Sri Lanka.

In a statement issued on September 18, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the case was being closely monitored through the Sri Lankan Embassy in Riyadh and the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Colombo.

Religious leaders, including the Mahanayake Theros of the Ramanna and Amarapura Buddhist Nikayas, also submitted a memorandum to the President’s Secretariat, urging the Government to intervene and secure Anojan’s release.

A public demonstration was held on September 20 at Malliyappu Junction in Hatton under the auspices of the Federation of Sri Lankan Hindu Organisations. A signature campaign was also organised in Narpittimunai.

Tamil political representatives, religious leaders and civil society organisations joined calls for measures to protect Anojan’s life.

A four-member Sri Lankan legal team travelled to Saudi Arabia on October 6 to pursue further legal action against the death sentence imposed on Anojan.

The delegation included Additional Solicitor General Asad Nawawi of the Attorney General’s Department, President’s Counsel Faizer Mustapha, President’s Counsel Upul Kumarapperuma and lawyer Hafeel Faris.

The team held discussions with representatives of law firms in Saudi Arabia and examined the legal background of the case and possible further action.

On October 8, Sri Lankan Ambassador to Saudi Arabia O. L. Ameer Ajwad visited Dammam Central Prison and met Anojan.

The Ambassador also met the prison director and prison doctor, enquired about Anojan’s health and subsequently reported that he was in good health.

An appeal against the death sentence was filed before the Saudi Supreme Court on October 11.

President’s Counsel Upul Kumarapperuma stated that the appeal had been lodged through a law firm in Riyadh.

On October 13, the Saudi Supreme Court overturned the death sentence imposed on Anojan.

Announcing the decision on October 14, Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra expressed gratitude to the Saudi Government for its cooperation. He also thanked the Sri Lankan Ambassador, the Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other officials, the Chairman and members of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment, and the legal teams from both Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia.

The cancellation of the death sentence does not, by itself, mean that Anojan has been released from prison.

Further action by the Governments of both countries will be necessary to determine the status of the five-year prison sentence and the fine of three million Saudi riyals previously imposed on him.

His possible release and the arrangements for his return to Sri Lanka therefore remain matters requiring clarification and further action.