Sri Lankan National's Reported Death Sentence in Saudi Arabia Over Social Media Post Prompts Diplomatic Action

Sri Lankan national Anojan Sivarasa is reportedly facing a death sentence in Saudi Arabia following judicial proceedings concerning an offensive social media post. While initial reports suggest his five-year prison sentence and fine were escalated to a death penalty after an appeal, allegedly for religious insult, the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs is closely monitoring the case. The ministry is engaging with Saudi authorities through diplomatic channels to safeguard Sivarasa's interests, with the Sri Lankan Embassy in Riyadh coordinating efforts. However, the death sentence has not been formally confirmed by the ministry, and a written judgment is still awaited. Former Foreign Minister Ali Sabry has urged Saudi Arabia to grant clemency.