PM was handed over a petition by relatives and campaigners

‘I have already spoken to the foreign ministry and the Saudi Embassy’ Mahinda Rajapakse told BBC Sadeshaya (BBC Sinhala).

Three Sri Lankans, DD Ranjith de Silva, Sanath Pushpakumara and Victor Corea are to be executed in Saudi Arabia on charges of theft and threatening civilians.

Human rights organisations accused the government of negligence saying an intervention by President Kumaratunga would safeguard their lives.

Prime Minister Rajapakse said President is also involved in governmen's efforts.

Al-Hair jail

‘The Foreign Ministry is already in a dialogue with Saudi Arabia’s relevant authorities. The fact the government is involved means the President is also playing her part.’

Speaking with BBC Sinhala (bbcsinhala.com) from Al-Hair jail, Riyadh, Ranjith de Silva said the Sri Lankan embassy officials are now trying to secure their release.

Al-Hair jail  There are about 700 Sri Lankans in Riyadh jail Ranjith de Silva in No.9 ward

‘Yesterday (Tuesday) we saw television pictures of a meeting between embassy officials and Saudi Arabia’s Justice Minister.'

However, the failure by the embassy officials to appeal against the court’s decision before the deadline has complicated the matter, he said.

Ranjith de Silva added that nearly 700 Sri Lankan inmates are serving in the Riyadh jail for minor offences.

Petition

Activists and relatives led by film star Ranjan Ramanayake handed over a petition to the Prime Minister in Colombo on Wednesday.

Rajapakse said the government has been working for their release even before the protesters met him.

Ranjan Ramanayake said the Foreign Employment Bureau (FEB) should bare part of the blame for their plight.

The FEB refused to pay for lawyers when the relatives approached the FEB, Ramanayake said.

Ranjith Silva, from his cell at No. 9 ward of the Al-Hair jail, appealed the authorities and fellow Sri Lankans to urge Saudi Authorities to safe guard their lives.