ITAK seeks Indian and U.S. help to save member from death penalty

The Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) party is seeking international diplomatic intervention to save Sivarasa Anojan, a party member facing the death penalty in Saudi Arabia. ITAK parliamentarians held urgent meetings on September 23, 2026, with the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, and the U.S. Embassy’s Political and Economic Counsellor, Anthony V. Pirnot.

During these discussions, ITAK Parliamentary Group Leader Shanakiyan Rasamanickam and other MPs briefed diplomats on the circumstances of the case and requested assistance in securing Anojan’s release. The party is attempting to internationalize the issue by engaging India and the United States, viewing them as influential stakeholders in Sri Lankan affairs.

The Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated it is currently engaging with Saudi authorities through diplomatic channels while awaiting a formal written judgment from the Saudi judiciary.