Preference for Haj first-timers

COLOMBO: Transport Minister A. H. M. Fowzie, in charge of Haj arrangements, said he would instruct Haj operators and the Department of Religious and Cultural Affairs to give first preference to first time Haj performers.

This is following a request by the Muslim Council of Sri Lanka (MCSL) to the Minister.

The delegation which earlier met Ambassador for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Mahmoud Al-Ali discussed the allocation of visas by the Saudi Government for Sri Lankan Haj pilgrims.

The Ambassador told the delegation that his Government was compelled to reduce the number of Haj pilgrims this year to provide the maximum possible facilities and comforts to those performing Haj and avoid any accidents.

The Ambassador told the delegation that the discussion to allocate a quota on the basis of the population of Muslims in each country was taken in consultation with the organisation of Islamic countries.

The quota allocated to Sri Lanka was 2,000. However in response to an appeal by the Sri Lanka Government, the quota has been increased to 4,500 this year, he said.

The MCSL delegation was led by its President N. M. Ameen, Secretary General M. D. M. Rizvi and Steering Committee member Hilmy Ahamed.