A case of how a comment made on social media can have a huge impact on one’s life has emerged from Saudi Arabia. Here, Anojana Sivarasa, a Sri Lankan migrant worker who was sentenced to death for making offensive comments against the Prophet Muhammad on Facebook, gets a major reprieve. The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has canceled his death sentence. Sri Lanka’s Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemchandra gave this information.

The case came to the fore in September when an appellate court in Saudi Arabia convicted 27-year-old Anojana Sivarasa of blasphemy and sentenced him to death. After this, concern grew in Sri Lanka and efforts were intensified at the diplomatic level to save his life. But now the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has canceled the death sentence given to Sri Lankan citizen Anojana Sivarasa.

The status of the legislative process is unclear

Following the execution, the family, parliamentarians and international human rights organizations also sought intervention in the case. Now that the death penalty has been averted for the time being thanks to the Supreme Court’s decision, the situation regarding Shivarsa’s custody and further legal proceedings is not entirely clear. After this decision, the family of Anojan Shivarsa and the people who are trying to give him relief have got hope. However, it is not yet clear when he will be released or if any further legal action will be taken against him.

The controversy started after a comment on Facebook

The case started after a video went viral on social media in late June. In the video, a young man was seen kicking a dog behind Hindu pilgrims. A religious discussion has started on social media regarding this video. Meanwhile, a user made a derogatory comment about a Hindu deity. In response, Sivarasa made derogatory remarks against Prophet Mohammad in Tamil language.

I welcome the decision by the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia to set aside the death sentence imposed on Sri Lankan national Anojana Sivarasa. This comes as a huge relief to Anojan, his family and all the people of Sri Lanka who have followed his case with deep concern. It reflects patient diplomacy, respect for the legal processes of a friendly nation and the tireless work of those who stand by Sri Lankan citizens abroad. I express my sincere appreciation to the Government of Saudi Arabia for this result. I also thank the many Saudi Arabian and Sri Lankan diplomats, civil servants and legal teams for their dedicated efforts. My government will continue to provide all necessary support to Anojan and his family till the completion of the remaining legal processes. Any Sri Lankan who leaves our shores in search of a livelihood should never feel that they stand alone.

— Anura Kumara Disnayake (@anuradisanayake) October 14, 2026

A fine of over 7 crores was imposed

However, he later deleted his comment and also posted an apologetic video. But a screenshot of the comment reached her employer and Saudi authorities. After this he was arrested in July. In the case of Anojan Shivrasa, the Al-Ahsa Criminal Court had earlier sentenced him to five years in jail and a fine of 30 lakh Saudi Riyals (7 crore 61 lakh rupees). Later in September, an appellate court convicted him of blasphemy and sentenced him to death.

He thanked the legal teams of both the countries

This decision has raised concern in Sri Lanka. Sivarasa’s family said they have not been able to contact him directly since September 28. For this reason the family was worried about their safety and future. Sri Lanka’s Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemchandra said through a post on social media platform Facebook that the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has canceled the death sentence on Wednesday. He thanked the officials and legal teams of both countries who made efforts in the case.