Parents of Rizana accompany Deputy Minister Hussain Baila to Saudi Arabia

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Hussain Baila is leaving for Saudi Arabia accompanied by the parents of Rizana who has been issued a death sentence by a Saudi Court, to make an appeal to consider a pardon on compassionate grounds, said the cabinet spokesman and Minister, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa.

Rizana of Muttur was sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia on charges that she caused the death of an infant. We are clueless whether the verdict can be changed on appeal or the parents of the deceased infant can confer a pardon. However the Sri Lankan Government is doing its best to save the life of the innocent Sri Lankan girl. The government will be prepared to grant a compensation of any amount for this purpose.

Visas for the visit of the parents of Rizana were received only yesterday. They are accompanying the Deputy Minister to Saudi Arabia today. We too are praying for the release of Rizana, said the Minister.