COLOMBO – Secretary General if the ACJU Sheikh Arkam Nooramith made the following statement on his return home on Monday, afternoon on June 1
” I wish to briefly address the recent events that occurred during my stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia while performing the sacred pilgrimage of Hajj.
Following a complaint made by an individual, I was requested to report to the Police station in Mina, where I provided the necessary clarifications regarding the matter. During this process, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Al-Haj Ameer Ajwad, and the Consul General in Jeddah, Al-Haj Lafar Thahir, extended their support and facilitated communication with the relevant authorities. Following the necessary inquiries, I was released, Alhamdulillah.
Subsequently, I was also requested to provide information to officials from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Unfortunately, these routine procedures gave rise to various rumours and speculations, many of which were inaccurate.
Throughout this period, the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) acted swiftly and responsibly. Members of the ACJU directly contacted the Office of the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka and raised concerns regarding my safety and well-being. They also communicated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and met with senior officials to ensure that all necessary diplomatic assistance was extended.
I am particularly grateful to the prime minister’s office and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Arun Hemachandra, for his personal attention and support in ensuring my welfare and safe return.
I also express my sincere appreciation to the Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, Al-Haj Hon Sheikh Muneer Mulaffer, who led the Sri Lankan Hajj Mission, the Director of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs, the Chairman and members of the Hajj Committee, and all officials who worked diligently to facilitate an amicable resolution.
My gratitude extends to the Government of Sri Lanka, the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Sri Lankan Embassy and Consulate in Saudi Arabia, the ambassador of Saudi Arabia in Sri Lanka His excellency Sheikh Khalid Kahthani , the President Sheikh Rizvi Mufti and members of the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama, Traveller Global and its owner Al-Haj Rizmy Riyal, members of our Hajj group, social media activists who acted responsibly, and the countless friends, scholars, well-wishers, and members of the Sri Lankan Muslim community around the world who expressed concern, support, and solidarity.
By the grace of Allah, I safely returned to Sri Lanka on 31 May 2026.
I am especially grateful to all those who remembered me in their dua. The prayers, messages, and support extended to me and my family during this period were deeply appreciated.
Now that I have returned home safely, I respectfully request everyone to refrain from further speculation or the circulation of unverified information. Any remaining matters, if necessary, will be addressed through the appropriate legal and administrative channels.
Let us move forward with understanding, unity, and mutual respect. I humbly ask forgiveness from anyone who may have been inconvenienced or distressed by these events, and I pray that Allah rewards all those who assisted during this period.
May Allah guide us all, strengthen our unity, protect us from misunderstanding and discord, and enable us to serve our faith, our nation, and humanity with sincerity.,” -Sheikh Arkam Nooramith
