In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Sri Lankan minister Arun Hemachandra announced on Wednesday that Saudi authorities have officially set aside the death penalty previously handed down to Sri Lankan expatriate Anojan Sivarasa. The decision, finalized on October 13, is being hailed as the direct result of persistent legal and diplomatic negotiations between the two nations. Minister Hemachandra expressed his gratitude to the Saudi government for their cooperation, while also acknowledging the tireless work of the legal teams involved in securing this outcome.

The case had drawn considerable attention over the past month, with the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism working closely with their Saudi counterparts to monitor the judicial proceedings. Government officials had remained actively engaged throughout the process to ensure the protection of Sivarasa’s rights and provide the necessary support. The resolution comes after a period of intense advocacy, which included a meeting in September between Sivarasa’s parents and the President of Sri Lanka to appeal for state intervention.