Former Minister and All Ceylon Makkal Congress leader Rishad Bathiudeen visited the family of Sri Lankan national Anojan Sivarasa in Narpittimunai, Kalmunai, on September 18, following reports that he had been sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia.
During the visit, Bathiudeen met Anojan’s mother, siblings and other family members, offering his support and assuring them that he would engage with relevant authorities over the case.
According to a statement issued by his media unit, Bathiudeen said reports of the death sentence had also caused concern among Sri Lanka’s Muslim community.
He said he intended to bring together Muslim parliamentarians to make an urgent appeal to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the King of Saudi Arabia regarding Anojan’s situation.
Bathiudeen also said he would request the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) to intervene and appeal to the Saudi government for Anojan’s release.
During the meeting, Anojan’s family expressed hope that the Muslim community would extend its full support to efforts to secure his release.
Bathiudeen assured the family that he and members of the Muslim community shared their concerns and would support efforts to assist Anojan.
He further revealed that fellow parliamentarians Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam, Shanakiyan Rasamanickam and Mano Ganesan had contacted him by telephone to discuss the matter.
He said they intended to work together as a group to pursue further action regarding Anojan’s case.
The reported death sentence has yet to be officially confirmed by Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry. (Newswire)
