Parliament told his life is in danger

Sri Lankan national Sivarasa Anojan, migrant worker on death row in Saudi Arabia, was given an opportunity to meet Sri Lankan Ambassador O. L. Ameer Ajwad last Thursday (08).

Ajwad, visited Anojan Sivarasa at Dammam Central Prison, located approximately 450 kilometres from Riyadh, to inquire about his well-being and ascertain his current status, the Foreign Ministry here said. Saudi authorities allowed the visit amidst accusations that another inmate at the Dammam Central Prison had caused him serious injury.

The family of Sri Lankan national Sivarasa Anojan earlier alleged that he was attacked with a sharp weapon. The family has contradicted Saudi prison authorities’ claim that he suffered only fingernail scratches.

Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) Batticaloa MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, on Wednesday, the day before Ambassador Ajwad visited Anojan, raised the issue in Parliament. According to the Batticaloa District MP, Anojan’s family had been told that he was stabbed in the head by a fellow inmate after being moved, within the prison, and that his life was in danger.

“The accounts of the family and the authorities clearly contradict each other,” Rasamanickam said, urging the government to verify Anojan’s condition directly and ensure his protection.

The Foreign Ministry spokesman said: “During the visit, the Ambassador held an extensive discussion with Anojan Sivarasa, listened to his needs and concerns, and reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to providing all possible consular and legal assistance, under the guidance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka. The Ambassador also shared his contact details with Anojan Sivarasa to facilitate direct communication.”

Following the meeting, Ambassador Ameer Ajwad confirmed that Anojan Sivarasa was in good health and that the Saudi prison authorities were attending to his well-being.

The Ambassador also met the Director of Dammam Central Prison and the prison’s medical doctor, expressing his appreciation for their cooperation in facilitating his visit to the prison and for the care and attention extended to Anojan Sivarasa to safeguard his health and well-being.

The Embassy of Sri Lanka is also extending assistance to Anojan Sivarasa in connection with his appeal process to the Supreme Court.”