Regarding Sri Lankan citizen Sivarasa Anojan, who has been sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia, Hon. Governor N. Vethanayahan of the Northern Province has stated that he will immediately forward to His Excellency the President Anura Kumara Dissanayake a petition submitted requesting that clemency be granted to reduce the sentence or that necessary measures be taken to protect his life.
This petition, submitted on behalf of the Desiya Maha Sabai – Northern Provincial Union and the Eastern Provincial Union, was handed over to the Governor of the Northern Province today – on Tuesday (22 September 2026).
The petition, titled “Clemency Appeal for Sivarasa Anojan,” states that the situation of the Sri Lankan citizen reported to be under sentence of death in Saudi Arabia has caused deep concern to his family and to all who value the sanctity of life. It requests the President to give immediate and compassionate attention to this matter.
The petition further requests that the Sri Lankan government take all possible steps through diplomatic, legal, and humanitarian channels with the Saudi Arabian government and relevant authorities, to secure legal relief that would reduce or commute the sentence, or otherwise protect Anojan’s life.
Upon receiving the petition, the Governor stated that he would forward it immediately to the President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to be brought to his due attention.
Meanwhile, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met with Sivarasa Anojan’s parents at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday – on Monday (21 September 2026), listened to their requests and explained the legal and diplomatic-level measures the government is taking to secure a pardon for Anojan.
Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had earlier stated that it continues to monitor Anojan Sivarasa’s case through the Sri Lankan embassy and through diplomatic channels with Saudi Arabian authorities.
In this context, the petition handed over to the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province today will also be forwarded immediately for the President’s attention.
