MOHAMMED RASOOLDEEN
COLOMBO ; Sri Lanka Hajj delegation headed by deputy minister of religious and cultural affairs Muneer Mulaffer is set to leave Colombo for Makkah on Friday, Nov.7 to sign the Hajj agreement for 2026.
Besides Mulaffer, the delegation comprises Hajj Committee Chairman Reyaz Mihular,Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs Department Director M.S.M Nawas and Dr M H Shehan who has been appointed as the official medical practitioner for the Lankan pilgrims group for 2026.
Speaking to Colombo Times, Mihular said the Hajj agreement with Saudi Arabia will be signed between Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia, Sunday,Nov.9
The signatories will be Mulaffer and Saudi deputy Hajj and Umrah minister Dr. Abdulfattah bin Sulaiman Mashat..
Mihular said pilgrims are advised to pay the deposit to reserve their seats early to avoid disappointment,pointing out some 2,000 pilgrims have already made their respective deposits.
A total of 93 Hajj operators have been appointed to assist pilgrims this year.
The Hajj Committee has already requested all registered pilgrims to open a Hajj Account with Amana Bank and deposit Rs. 750,000 by November 10, 2025.
As of now, 5,000 pilgrims have registered, and 3,500 have received approval from the Saudi Arabian authorities for Hajj 2026.
The Chairman noted that the Saudi authorities have emphasized the importance of pilgrims’ health conditions, and a doctor has been included in the delegation to be aware of the medical requirements of the Saudi government . Any adverse findings in the medical reports may result in visa rejection. Cardiac patients, renal patient with ESRD, and those suffering from extreme liver or lung diseases will be barred from performing Hajj next year.
Additionally, the Hajj Committee has made accommodation arrangements for pilgrims, which include 3-star hotels in Makkah, 4-star hotels in Madina, and 2-star hotels in Azeeziah.
