Three Sri Lankans facing death in Saudi Arabia for charges of theft

Deputy foreign minister Vishwa Warnapala said that the government has already forwarded appeals by the family members of the three Sri Lankans to relevant authorities.

"The appeals were directed to the King of Saudi Arabia, Foreign Minister, Interior Minister and the Governor of Riyadh through our diplomatic channels", minister Warnapala told BBC Sandeshaya (Sinhala service).

Human rights activist criticised the government's attitude saying President Kumaratunga intervention would save the lives of three Sri Lankans to be executed on charges of theft.

President's intervention

"The appeals were directed to the King and Interior minister"

"Our inquiries into the workings of the Saudi Arabian system indicate clearly that if a request comes from the head of the state of the country to which the prisoners belong, it will be given a serious hearing by the highest authorities in Saudi Arabia," the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) said in a statement.

President Chandrika Kumaratunga left Sri Lanka for London on the weekend.

However, minister Warnapala said that the Saudi authorities have reacted positively to the government's requests.

"We have also sent a third party note to the ministry of foreign affairs of Saudi Arabia"

Deputy foreign minister said that President Kumaratunga will not be reluctant to intervene, if the need arises, after the ministry receive the response for the third party notice.

UN protocol

We have also sent a third party note to the ministry of foreign affairs of Saudi Arabia Deputy foreign minister Vishwa Warnapala

Human rights organisations meanwhile pointed out that government's failure to ratify the UN Optional Protocol to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, concerning the Compulsory Settlement of Disputes.

The protocol gives those who have ratified it the opportunity of appealing to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on disputes about diplomatic relationships.

Minister Warnapala admitted he does not know whether Sri Lanka is a signatory to the protocol.

Refusing the criticisms by the human rights organisations he stressed that the government is committed to safeguard its citizens lives abroad.

"They can air their views, but we have and will work our best through diplomatic means."