Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, O.L. Ameer Ajwad, visited Sri Lankan national Anojan Sivarasa at Dammam Central Prison on October 26, following a decision by the Saudi Supreme Court to set aside his death sentence and order a fresh hearing.
According to a statement issued by the Sri Lankan Embassy in Riyadh, the Ambassador held discussions with Sivarasa regarding the consular and legal assistance available to him ahead of the forthcoming court proceedings.
The discussions focused on ensuring that Sivarasa was adequately briefed on the judicial process and understood the legal proceedings ahead.
Ambassador Ajwad reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to providing continued consular assistance and facilitating appropriate legal support throughout the proceedings.
He also stressed the importance of close coordination between Sivarasa, his legal counsel and the Embassy to ensure that all necessary assistance is provided while respecting the independence of the Saudi judiciary and due process.
During the visit, the Ambassador also met prison authorities and expressed appreciation for their continued cooperation with the Embassy and their attention to Sivarasa’s welfare during his detention.
The Ambassador was accompanied by the Embassy’s First Secretary for Consular Affairs, Vindana Munasinghe, and interpreter Sahul Hameed.
Sivarasa had previously been sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia in a case involving allegations of insulting the Prophet Muhammad through social media.
However, the Saudi Supreme Court set aside the death sentence earlier this month and referred the matter for a fresh hearing. (Newswire)