More pilgrims to Saudi

12 October 2010 03:40 am - 14 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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A senior official from the Sri Lanka Haj Committee visiting the Kingdom has said Colombo would send more pilgrims this year after the country’s government reduced pilgrimage costs, Arab news said.

“Each pilgrim in the island was charged more than Rs500,000 for the journey. Now the new Haj committee has reduced it to Rs325,000 so more pilgrims from the lower middle classes could participate in the pilgrimage,” Azath Salley told Arab News.

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa heads the new Haj Committee.

The first batch of 420 Sri Lankan pilgrims will arrive in the Kingdom on a Saudi Arabian Airlines flight from Colombo on Friday. “This will be the first group out of a total of 5,600 pilgrims, “ Salley said.

Last year, Sri Lanka sent only 4,500 pilgrims, even though the quota was increased to 5,800.

Salley said he had talks with Haj officials and is satisfied with the arrangements made by the Saudi authorities.

He pointed out that he had formed a special team to look after the interests of Sri Lankan pilgrims.

The group is composed of 15 volunteers, officials from the Department of Islamic Affairs in Colombo and all Muslim officers in the Sri Lankan Consulate in Jeddah. A medical team will also join the Sri Lankan pilgrims.

Salley attended a meeting of Haj volunteers at the Sri Lankan Consulate in Jeddah on Monday.

“We are thankful to officials from the Saudi Embassy in Colombo for the cooperation they extend every year in facilitating the quick issuance of visas to the pilgrims,” he said.

This year, he said, the whole pilgrimage process has been streamlined based on past experience. The new Haj committee will give preference to applicants who want to perform Haj for the first time.

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Comments - 14

Nihal Amarasekera Tuesday, 12 October 2010 03:47 AM

More pilgrims and no "MAID IN SRI LANKA'S".

Fayad Tuesday, 12 October 2010 04:23 AM

we should get better quota than this and Haj committee has to discuss and get a better rate than this when number are more they can give a better rate, to suit the meddle class as well.
they should realize this not a fun trip this one in a life time pilgrimage performed by Muslims.

francis Tuesday, 12 October 2010 05:31 AM

I have been wondering all these years why it is costing so high to go on Haj. A return flight to New York and back is around US$ 1200.00 Taking into account the accommodation, transportation, food and other incidental expenses the cost for each pilgrim should really not go beyond US2900 ( Rs 325,000 ) Thanks to the initiative of the President and there should be an inquiry as to who and why so much was charged in previous years, only hope part of it did not go into someone pockets.

Wasantha Tuesday, 12 October 2010 05:49 AM

very soon we will have to go on pilgrims seeking more housemaid jobs.

Fayad Tuesday, 12 October 2010 06:32 AM

Wasantha, what you have mentioned is beside the point

farshard Tuesday, 12 October 2010 07:09 AM

realy its good news for all sri lankan muslims

Ossan Salam - Doha Tuesday, 12 October 2010 07:10 AM

Sending house maids & travelling for Haj are two different issues....

mohamed Tuesday, 12 October 2010 07:44 AM

Thank you president

you are an all rounder , this is how a president should be ,looking into the problems of all communitees

may god bless you

Boss Tuesday, 12 October 2010 08:02 AM

Why sending your wife,sister as Maid you should look after them, if not the governement shuoul look after them, U know brother India ahs a ban for sendig maid to other country. then why we dont follow our neighbour.
You people are enjoying with what the poor ladies are earning.

Shame to all of you

lankaman Tuesday, 12 October 2010 08:30 AM

very good reply and very valid point

dutugamunu Tuesday, 12 October 2010 08:56 AM

Sadu Sadu Saaduu!!!!!

segu Tuesday, 12 October 2010 01:25 PM

Hi BOSS, you made very good point. However, government should come up with fruitful plan for the poor. Otherwise the system will collapse.

Nihal Amarasekera Tuesday, 12 October 2010 03:24 PM

If my minuses mean anything it seems that my fellow bloggers have misunderstood me. I commented in lighter vein; no malice to any religion or anybody. This I am mentioning not through any fear but cause' my conscience is clear.

AFF Wednesday, 13 October 2010 07:23 AM

Tnx for the clarification Bro. I am one of those who misunderstood you earlier, but now have given you a thumbs up! Best! :)

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More pilgrims to Saudi

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