Sri Lanka Secures 3,500 Hajj Quota for 2027

COLOMBO (News 1st); The path to Hajj 2027 has officially begun for Sri Lankan pilgrims, with Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia signing the bilateral agreement that will govern next year's pilgrimage arrangements and confirm the country's official allocation.

The agreement was signed on November 9 on the sidelines of the annual Hajj Conference in Jeddah, marking an important step in preparations for one of the world's largest religious gatherings.

Representing Sri Lanka, Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs Muneer Mulaffer signed the agreement with Saudi Arabia's Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Abdulfatah bin Sulaiman Mashat.

Under the agreement, Sri Lanka has been allocated an official quota of 3,500 pilgrims for the 2027 Hajj season.

During the visit, the Sri Lankan delegation also held talks with Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Fawzan Al-Rabiah and other senior officials from the Saudi ministry, focusing on arrangements and preparations for the 2027 pilgrimage.

The discussions centred on ensuring smooth coordination between the two countries as authorities begin planning logistics, operational requirements and services for Sri Lankan pilgrims travelling to the Kingdom next year.

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah conducted a special training programme aimed at raising operational standards for Hajj management. Sri Lanka was represented by a 10-member delegation comprising officials from the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs and representatives of private Hajj organisers.

The signing of the agreement provides early clarity for Sri Lankan pilgrims and organisers alike, while paving the way for the detailed planning needed to manage the country's 2027 Hajj operations and ensure thousands of worshippers can undertake the sacred journey under officially approved arrangements.