Ensure Haj pilgrims’ safety, PM tells travel agencies

Prime Minister D M Jayaratne said travel agencies have an immense responsibility to ensure the safety and needs of Haj pilgrims.

The Prime Minister said agencies which exploit Haj pilgrims will be penalized.

He said President Mahinda Rajapaksa has appointed a special committee to inspect the registration of travel agencies which provide travelling facilities to Haj pilgrims. The names of 70 travel agencies have already been released, he said.

Premier Jayaratne also said the Saudi Arabian Government has agreed to provide facilities for 5,800 Sri Lankan Muslims to perform Haj this year.

He also said the government has taken steps to provide protection and infrastructure facilities to Sri Lankan Haj pilgrims.