Sri Lanka Secures 3,500-Pilgrim Allocation for 2027 Hajj
November 12, Colombo (LNW): Preparations for Sri Lanka’s participation in the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage have moved forward following the signing of a bilateral agreement with Saudi Arabia, which confirms an allocation of 3,500 places for Sri Lankan worshippers next year.
The agreement was concluded on 9 November during the annual Hajj Conference in Jeddah, providing an official framework for cooperation between the two countries in organising the pilgrimage.
Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs Muneer Mulaffer signed the agreement on behalf of Sri Lanka, while Saudi Arabia was represented by its Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Abdulfatah bin Sulaiman Mashat.
The confirmed quota will allow Sri Lankan authorities and prospective pilgrims to begin making arrangements well ahead of the 2027 pilgrimage season, particularly in relation to registration, travel coordination and the provision of essential services.
During the visit, the Sri Lankan delegation also met Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr Tawfiq Fawzan Al-Rabiah and other senior officials of the ministry to discuss preparations for the upcoming pilgrimage.
The discussions focused on strengthening coordination between the relevant authorities and addressing the logistical and operational requirements involved in facilitating the journey of thousands of Sri Lankan pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
Particular attention was given to ensuring that arrangements are properly coordinated, with the objective of minimising administrative difficulties and improving the overall experience of pilgrims undertaking the religious obligation.
As part of the wider preparations, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah organised a specialised training programme designed to improve operational standards and strengthen the management of Hajj-related activities.
Sri Lanka participated in the programme through a 10-member delegation comprising officials from the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs and representatives of private Hajj operators.
The training initiative provided an opportunity for participants to familiarise themselves with operational requirements and procedures associated with managing the annual pilgrimage, while reinforcing the importance of cooperation between government authorities and private organisers.
The early confirmation of Sri Lanka’s allocation is expected to provide greater certainty for prospective pilgrims and those involved in organising their travel. It also gives the relevant institutions additional time to prepare for the administrative, transport and service-related responsibilities associated with the 2027 Hajj season.
With the bilateral agreement now in place, attention will turn to translating the agreed arrangements into practical preparations to ensure that the 3,500 Sri Lankan pilgrims can undertake the sacred journey through an organised and officially coordinated process.
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