The first group of pilgrims from Sri Lanka to perform the holy Hajj this year arrived in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, May 11.
The group of 46 pilgrims who arrived at Jeddah’s King Abdul Aziz International Airport were given a warm welcome by Sri Lankan Ambassador to Saudi Arabia H.E. O.L.Ameer Ajwad and Acting Consul General in Jeddah Mabusa Lafir.
Ambassador H.E.Ameer Ajwad welcomed the pilgrims by offering ‘ZamZam’ water and ‘Ajwa’ dates during the event and extended his heartfelt greetings to all the pilgrims and emphasized the spiritual importance of the holy Hajj.
The first group of 46 out of 3,500 Hajj pilgrims from Sri Lanka began their journey yesterday morning via Katunayake International Airport.
Saudi Arabia Ambassador to Sri Lanka H.E.Khalid Hamood Al-Qahtani was presented with gifts to pilgrims and Delegations representing Sri Lankan government which comprised Deputy Minister of National Integration Muneer Mulaffar, Secretary to the Ministry of Science and Technology Y.L. Mohamed Nawawi, Director of the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs M.S.M. Nawaz, Governor of the Western Province Hanif Yusuf, Assistant Director of the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs N. Niloofar, Member of the Hajj and Umrah Committee Professor M.S.M. Aslam and various other high-ranking officials attended the event.
In a special statement issued by the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, H.E.Khalid bin Hamud Al Qahtani, who attended the event said, It gives me a great pleasure to join you on this blessed occasion as we bid farewell to the first group of Sri Lankan pilgrims departing for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj – the fifth pillar of Islam and a spiritual journey cherished by Muslims across the world.
The Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz , spares no effort in serving the Guests of Allah. Every possible resource is dedicated to ensuring their comfort, safety, and ease throughout their pilgrimage journey, from arrival until their safe return home.
All the relevant agencies in the Kingdom have completed their full preparations for this year’s Hajj season. A comprehensive system has been put in place, encompassing health, organizational, technological, and security services, to provide pilgrims with a safe, serene, and spiritually fulfilling environment.
We also sincerely value the fruitful cooperation between the authorities in the Kingdom and the Republic of Sri Lanka, which has greatly facilitated the organization and coordination of travel procedures for the pilgrims. This collaboration reflects the strong and friendly relations between our two nations.
In conclusion, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the pilgrims and pray that Allah accepts their Hajj, forgives their sins, and blesses them with a safe return. May Almighty Allah continue to bless our countries with peace and prosperity, he quoted.
