Haj pilgrimage successful - WPC Governor
Priyanka Kurugala
The holy pilgrimage to Mecca by Sri Lankan Muslims was successful
this year due to the guidance of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the
hard work put in by the National Haj Committee, Western Province
Governor Alavi Mowlana said.
The Governor who headed the National Haj Committee addressing a press
briefing rejected allegations made by certain elements that there had
been financial malpractices on the part of the organizers of the holy
pilgrimage.
He described such allegations as unfortunate in the backdrop of the
holy pilgrimage being conducted in a very transparent and an efficient
manner.
He called on detractors not to make the sacred pilgrimage as a means
to spread their poisonous political views.
Around 6,336 pilgrims participated in the pilgrimage this year.
However only around 5000 individuals went to Mecca last year. The
National Haj Committee was able to provide many facilities to the
pilgrims. The National Haj Committee mediated to reduced the chargers to
Rs 325,000. Nevertheless last year the minimum charge was Rs 375,000.
The National Haj Committee was able to provide accommodation to all
the people in one place. Even people of other countries did not have
such facilities.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa requested the committee to provide the
opportunity to a large number of people to undertake this sacred
pilgrimage.
Technology and Research Deputy Minister Faizer Mustapha and Colombo
Municipal Council former Deputy Mayor Azath S Sally also spoke. |