Hajj pilgrimage streamlined

by Mohammed NAALIR

The Saudi Arabian Government has limited the Hajj quota to Sri Lanka this year, Director, Muslim Cultural Affairs Department, Y.L.M. Navavi said.

The Department has instructed agencies organising Hajj pilgrimages to give priority to those taking part in the pilgrimage for the first time, according to Navavi.Navavi said agencies conducting Hajj pilgrimages must confirm to the Muslim Cultural Affairs Department that one is taking part in the Hajj for the first time.

The Muslim Cultural Affairs Department has imposed certain restrictions in conducting Hajj pilgrimages this year.

These include Sri Lankan pilgrims being given accommodation facilities within a one kilometre distance to Haram Sharif, Navavi said.

A Hajj pilgrim is charged Rs. 340,000 for all facilities.

If this fare has to be increased, the agencies should inform the Muslim Cultural Affairs Department in writing along with a copy of the letter of consent given by the pilgrim with regard to the increased fare and additional facilities, according to Navavi.