Minister Wickremanayake to lead Haj delegation to Saudi Arabia

MOHAMMED RASOOLDEEN

COLOMBO ; Minister of Buddhasasana,Religious and Cultural Affairs Vidura Wickremanayake will leave for Saudi Arabia on Friday,Jan.5 to sign the Haj agreement between Sri Lanka and the Kingdom.

According to sources, the Haj agreement will be signed between the Lankan minister and the Saudi Haj and Umrah minister Dr.Tawfiq bin Fawzan AlRabiah on Sunday Jan 7.

The Lankan delegation will include the minister, Director of the department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs Faizal Abdeen, Haj Committee Chairman Ibrahim Sahib Ansar,Haj Committee member Ifhas Nabuhan and representatives from two main Haj operators associations namely Rizmi Reyal and Abdul Cader Badurdeen Mohammed Careem

Following the signing ceremony, the Lankan delegation is slated to participate in the «The Hajj and Umrah Services Conference and Exhibition which is an annual event that unites prominent thinkers, innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs, all striving to improve pilgrimage services. This event is a crucial platform for fostering regional and international conversations with diverse Arab and Islamic communities. Aligned with the Kingdom›s Vision 2030, it greatly emphasizes transforming the Hajj and Umrah ecosystem. Central to this event is a strong dedication to enhancing and promoting services for pilgrims, aiming to provide them with exceptional and meaningful experiences.

On Tuesday,Jan 2, the Lankan minister met 93 Haj operators assigned for the forthcoming Haj and briefed them on the arrangements for the upcoming season. Haj visas are expected to issue from March 1. The Haj Committee chairman, director of Muslim affairs and representatives from the Haj operators were also present.