The first group of Hajj pilgrims from Sri Lanka for this year, consisting of 68 pilgrims, departed from the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake on Tuesday (May 21).
Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Sri Lanka, Khaled bin Hamoud Al-Kahtani, attended the send-off ceremony, which was held in the presence of Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Vidura Wickremanayake, along with the Chairman of the Hajj Committee of Sri Lanka, Ibrahim Sahib Ansar and officials of the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Ambassador Khaled bin Hamoud Al-Kahtani congratulated the Sri Lankan pilgrims enlightening that the Government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Highness the Crown Prince pays great attention to the pilgrims of the Grand Mosque of Mecca.
He further said that the Kingdom had taken all measures to ensure the comfort of the pilgrims and for their completion of the religious obligation with ease and grace.
The Ambassador also praised the level of coordination and cooperation between the Embassy, Ministry of Religious Affairs and officials of the Hajj Committee of Sri Lanka regarding Hajj arrangements for Sri Lankan pilgrims. (Newswire)
