MOHAMMED RASOOLDEEN
COLOMBO – The first batch of. 47 Sri Lankan Hajj pilgrims left for Makkah by Air Arabia in the early hours of Sunday morning ,May 11.
They were seen off by a galaxy of Muslim VIPs including Saudi Ambassador. Khalid Humoud Al Kahtani, Western Province Governor Haneef Yusoof, deputy minister Muneef Mullafer, director of Muslim Relgious and Cultural Affairs M S M Nawaz, Hajj Committee Chairman Reaz Mihular and The Presidents of the All Ceylon Haj Travel Operators Association Rizmi Reyal and chairman of Hajj Tour Operators of Sri Lanka M D A Careem.
In a statement used for the occasion, Ambassador Khalid bin Hamoud Al Kahtani 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.”
Deputy minister Mulaffer said he was happy to participate in the send off given to the Hajj pilgrims in the maiden group and wished them safe journey.
This year , a total of 3500 pilgrims are slated to participate in the pilgrimage from
Sri Lanka photos by MSM Saleem
