The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Sri Lanka, His Excellency Khalid bin Hamoud Alkahtani, bid farewell to the first group of Sri Lankan pilgrims departing for Hajj at a ceremony held at Bandaranaike International Airport this morning.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Alkahtani highlighted the Kingdom’s extensive preparations to ensure the comfort, safety, and spiritual fulfillment of pilgrims. He praised the strong cooperation between Saudi and Sri Lankan authorities in facilitating the pilgrimage.
The send-off was attended by Deputy Minister of National Integration Muneer Mulaffar, Western Province Governor Hanif Yusuf, Sri Lanka Hajj Committee Chairman Reyaz Mihular, and officials from the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs.
Statement of His Excellency Khalid bin Hamoud Alkahtani, during the sending off ceremony of the First Hajj group of Sri Lanka, on 11th May 2025
It gives me a great pleasure to join you on this blessed occasion as we bid farewell to the first group of Sri Lankan pilgrims departing for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj – the fifth pillar of Islam and a spiritual journey cherished by Muslims across the world.
The Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz , spares no effort in serving the Guests of Allah. Every possible resource is dedicated to ensuring their comfort, safety, and ease throughout their pilgrimage journey, from arrival until their safe return home.
All the relevant agencies in the Kingdom have completed their full preparations for this year’s Hajj season. A comprehensive system has been put in place, encompassing health, organizational, technological, and security services, to provide pilgrims with a safe, serene, and spiritually fulfilling environment.
We also sincerely value the fruitful cooperation between the authorities in the Kingdom and the Republic of Sri Lanka, which has greatly facilitated the organization and coordination of travel procedures for the pilgrims. This collaboration reflects the strong and friendly relations between our two nations.
In conclusion, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the pilgrims and pray that Allah accepts their Hajj, forgives their sins, and blesses them with a safe return. May Almighty Allah continue to bless our countries with peace and prosperity.
