Lankan Hajj pilgrims advised to register before Feb.14 with MRCA

Chairman of the Hajj Committee Reyaz Mihular told newsmen on Friday,Jan. 31 in Colombo that those interested in participating in this year’Hajj pilgrimage should register with department of Muslim Religious Cultural Affairs,MRCA, on or before February 14.

Mihular was addressing the media on this year’s services an facilities for the pilgrims during the Hajj pilgrimage at the MRCA auditorium in Colombo .

“The Saudi Arabian authorities has given a deadline on 14th February to submit all the documents and related to the Hajj Pilgrims to ensure a smooth operation,” Mihular said.

He announced that his committee will set up a WhatsApp group for all 3,500 Lankan pilgrims to coordinate and interact with one another during the pilgrimage.

He pointed out that this year’s Hajj, comprising 3,500 Lankan pilgrims have been distributed among 92 Hajj operators.and said the Hajj Committee decided has decided to give a minimum of 20 or maximum of 41 pilgrims to each Hajj Operator.

All Hajj functions are held under aegis of the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs headed by M S M Nawaz.
He also requested operators to give comfortable accommodation facilities to the Hajj pilgrims. Mats or mattresses are not permitted for pilgrims and he also advised Hajj operators to give comfortable beds only.
He advised pilgrims to go through official channels which would ensure safe and comfortable pilgrimage.
Mihular also requested the prospective Hajj pilgrims to abide by the Customs regulations and NOT to abuse the concessions given to pilgrims in bringing goods in and out of the island.

Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs Department Director M.S.M. Nawas, Assistant Director N. Niloafer, All Ceylon Hajj Operators Association President Rizmi Reyal, Hajj Tour Operator of Sri Lanka President A.C.B.M. Careem, Saudi Arabia Arab News Colombo Correspondent Mohammed Rasoldeen and department officials were also present.