Sri Lankan Ambassador Visits Death - Row Inmate Anojan Sivarasa in Saudi Arabia

Sri Lankan Ambassador to Saudi Arabia O. L. Ameer Ajwad visited Anojan Sivarasa at Dammam Central Prison on October 8 to inquire about his well-being and current situation, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Riyadh said.

Dammam Central Prison is located approximately 450 kilometres from the Saudi capital, Riyadh.

Sivarasa, a 27-year-old Sri Lankan national who had been employed in Saudi Arabia, was arrested over a social media comment deemed insulting to Prophet Muhammad. He has since been sentenced to death over the post, prompting intensified efforts to secure clemency.

During the visit, Ambassador Ajwad spoke with Sivarasa, listened to his needs and concerns, and reaffirmed the embassy’s commitment to providing consular and legal assistance under the guidance of Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.

The embassy said the ambassador also shared his contact details with Sivarasa to facilitate direct communication.

Following the meeting, Ajwad said Sivarasa was in good health and that Saudi prison authorities were attending to his well-being.

The ambassador also met with the director of Dammam Central Prison and the prison’s medical doctor, thanking them for facilitating the visit and for the care provided to the Sri Lankan inmate.

According to the embassy, it is also assisting Sivarasa with his appeal before the Supreme Court.