January 16, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has recently signed a significant agreement concerning the Hajj pilgrimage for the year 2025, marking a new chapter in the bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia.
The agreement was finalised in Jeddah, with the Sri Lankan delegation led by the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Sunil Senevi.
On the Saudi side, Dr. Abdulfattah Bin Sulaiman Mashat, the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, represented the Kingdom.
The agreement underscores the shared commitment of both nations to enhancing the Hajj pilgrimage experience for Sri Lankan Muslims.
Minister Senevi’s visit to Saudi Arabia was arranged at the invitation of Dr. Tawfiq Fawzan Alrabiah, the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, and is seen as a crucial step towards streamlining Hajj operations in the future.
In discussions preceding the signing, Minister Senevi highlighted the Sri Lankan government’s dedication to improving the Hajj journey for its citizens.
He outlined plans for making the pilgrimage process more efficient and seamless, a sentiment that reflects the broader ambitions of the Sri Lankan administration to enhance its international partnerships and ensure a smooth experience for pilgrims.
As part of his official visit, Minister Senevi is scheduled to meet with Dr. Tawfiq Fawzan Alrabiah and various Hajj service providers to discuss future developments in Hajj arrangements.
The delegation will also make visits to key religious and cultural sites, including Madinah, the holy city of the Prophet, and significant landmarks in Jeddah. Furthermore, Minister Senevi took time to engage with the Sri Lankan expatriate community in Jeddah, strengthening ties between the two nations.
The Sri Lankan delegation accompanying Minister Senevi includes a range of senior officials, such as Deputy Minister of National Integration Muneer Mulaffar, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ameer Ajwad, Director of the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs M.R.M. Nawas, Acting Consul General Mafusa Lafir, and Hajj Coordinator Dr. M.N.M. Ahsraff.
