Saudi Arabia drops all charges against Sri Lankan Sivarasa Anojan previously sentenced to death

Newswire reports that Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said Saudi Arabia’s Public Prosecution decided on November 9, 2026, to discontinue the remaining proceedings against Sri Lankan national Sivarasa Anojan. Newsfirst (தமிழ்), Newsfirst (සිංහල) and Ada Derana also report that Herath announced Anojan had been cleared of the allegations or proceedings against him.

Newswire reports that Herath said the Sri Lankan government would take steps to bring Anojan home, and that his return was expected within one to two weeks. Newsfirst (සිංහල) likewise reports that authorities planned to bring him back within two weeks; Ada Derana reports that he was to be brought back to Sri Lanka.

Newswire reports that Anojan’s family visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and thanked President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the ministry, state institutions and officials. Newswire says Herath credited the outcome to the president’s guidance, diplomatic work by the Foreign Ministry and other officials, and thanked the Saudi government and judiciary, diplomatic personnel from both countries, and lawyers who travelled to Saudi Arabia.

Written automatically by AI from the outlets’ own reports, and not reviewed by an editor. It can be wrong — the original report is the authority.