Sri Lanka seeks higher Haj quota

Mohammed Rasooldeen in Riyadh

With the end of war, the Government expects more people to perform Haj this year, said Petroleum Minister A.H.M. Fowzie. 'With the restoration of peace following the defeat of terrorism more Muslims from the Eastern and North Central Provinces will feel free to travel', Fowzie told Arab News.

He added that the new developments in the country have paved the way for the free movement of people within the island.

Fowzie, who signed a Haj agreement following talks with Haj Minister Dr. Fouad Al-Farsy in Riyadh said he has requested an increased quota of pilgrims to accommodate expected new pilgrims from the liberated areas. Muslims were also victims of terror. They were chased out from the North by the LTTE and they had to abandon their properties as a result of terror, he said.

He said Al-Farsy has agreed to consider the request favourably. Last year, 5,500 Sri Lankan pilgrims performed Haj. This year, we have appealed for an enhanced quota of 8,500, he said.

Fowzie was accompanied by Western Province Governor Alavi Mowlana, and Rizmi Reyal, Chairman and Managing Director of the Traveler Globe. Sri Lankan Ambassador Abdul Ageed Mohamed Marleen and Consul General Abdul Latiff Mohammed Lafeer also accompanied the delegation during its meeting with Haj officials.

In response to a special request made by President Mahinda Rajapaksa in 2007, Saudi Arabia increased the quota of Sri Lankan pilgrims from 4,500 to 5,500.

Fowzie said Haj operations are streamlined through a network of 62 reputed Haj operators. "We have blacklisted 18 errant operators, and inquiries are being conducted against a few other operators whose licences would be cancelled if they are found guilty of the charges levelled against them.