Anojan Sivarasa, who was facing charges before a Saudi Arabian court, has been released, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath has announced.
The minister said the government would take the necessary diplomatic steps to bring Sivarasa back to Sri Lanka in the coming days.
Sivarasa’s family members visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today and expressed their gratitude to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the Foreign Affairs Ministry, and all government institutions and officials who contributed to securing his release.
Minister Vijitha Herath said Sivarasa’s release was made possible through the guidance of President Dissanayake, diplomatic intervention by the Sri Lankan government, and the continued efforts of relevant officials.
He also extended his appreciation to the Saudi government, the Saudi judiciary, diplomatic institutions and officials from both countries, as well as the team of lawyers who travelled to Saudi Arabia to assist in the case.
On September 17, 2026, a Saudi Arabian Court of Appeal in the Eastern Region sentenced Sivarasa to death over charges relating to a Facebook post deemed offensive.
Following diplomatic and other interventions, the death sentence was overturned by the Saudi court on October 14.
However, diplomatic efforts continued to secure his release from the remaining penalties imposed on him.
As a result of these continued efforts, Sivarasa has now been released.
The Saudi Public Prosecution Office decided on November 9, 2026, not to pursue further legal proceedings in the case.
The Sri Lankan government is expected to take the necessary steps to facilitate his return to the country.
