Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ameer Ajwad, has met Anojan Sivarasa, who is being held at Dammam Central Prison, to discuss the next steps in his legal proceedings.

The meeting took place following the Saudi Arabian Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the death sentence previously imposed on Sivarasa and refer the case for retrial.

During the meeting, Ambassador Ajwad and Sivarasa discussed the upcoming legal proceedings and the legal assistance required for the case.

According to the Sri Lankan Embassy, the importance of properly presenting all relevant matters during the trial, in accordance with the applicable legal procedures, was also emphasised.

Ambassador Ajwad reaffirmed the Sri Lankan Embassy’s commitment to providing Sivarasa with continued legal and consular assistance.

The meeting also highlighted the need for close coordination between Sivarasa, his legal representatives and the Embassy throughout the forthcoming legal proceedings.

The Ambassador further stressed that the Embassy would fully respect judicial independence and due legal process throughout the proceedings.

Meanwhile, the Embassy stated that Ambassador Ajwad had expressed his appreciation to the prison authorities for their continued attention to Sivarasa’s welfare and the cooperation extended to the Sri Lankan Embassy.