Saudi Arabia agreed to a fresh trial for the Sri Lankan woman who was condemned to death by stoning for adultery, Deputy Foreign Minister Harsha de Silva told Parliament a short while ago.

It was reported yesterday that her death sentence was put on hold following an appeal by the Sri Lankan government.

The government had repeatedly insisted that it was exploring all possible channels to ensure the release of the 45 year-old mother of three.

She had been working as a maid from 2013, and had been charged in 2014 on committing adultery with a single man.

The single man was sentenced for 100 lashes.