The Government is pursuing legal and diplomatic avenues to secure a pardon for Sri Lankan national Sivarasa Anojan, who has been sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said.

President Dissanayake said he met Anojan’s parents at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday morning (21) and briefed them on the measures being taken to assist their son.

He said the Government would make a formal written diplomatic appeal to the King of Saudi Arabia seeking a pardon for Anojan, while continuing to intervene through both legal and diplomatic channels.

The President also informed the family of measures already taken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including appeals submitted to the relevant authorities.

He assured Anojan’s parents that the Government was closely and continuously monitoring the progress of efforts to secure a pardon.