This time, 20 Sri Lankans have been given the opportunity to perform Hajj in the ongoing aid provided by Saudi Arabia to Sri Lanka. Every year Saudi Arabia offers this opportunity to the Muslims of the world. This time, like last year, a special opportunity has been given to the Palestinian people. 1000 relatives of Gaza war victims have been given free Hajj. Also, the parents of the babies who were surgically separated in Saudi Arabia have also had the opportunity to be guests of the King of Saudi Arabia.
A total of 2300 people from 88 countries are going as guests of the King of Saudi Arabia this time. Among those selected from Sri Lanka this time are Ulemas, University Lecturers, Journalists, Secretaries of Ministries etc. The send-off event was held at the Saudi Arabian embassy under the leadership of the Saudi Arabian ambassador to Sri Lanka, Khalid bin Hamood Al-Qahdani.
Ash-Sheikh Badr Al-Anasi, representative of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Islamic Religious Affairs, attended the event. The group will leave on the 8th of this month.
The group traveling from Sri Lanka as guests of the King was given a package by the Saudi Arabian Ambassador and a representative of the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Religious Affairs containing the necessary items to perform Hajj.
Meanwhile, 10 people from Sri Lanka were given the opportunity to perform Umrah this time last March. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs of Saudi Arabia under the direction of the King took charge of this. Globally 1000 people were given this opportunity and it was divided into four phases and finally 250 people from Sri Lanka were included. 17 countries participated among the final guests.
Sri Lankan Muslims are also grateful to King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz and Prince Muhammad Bin Salman of Saudi Arabia for the opportunity given to Sri Lankans to perform Hajj and Umrah duties.
