All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) Leader and Member of Parliament Rishad Bathiudeen has formally requested a meeting with Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi to discuss matters related to the facilitation of the Hajj pilgrimage.

In his letter, Bathiudeen proposed that Muslim Members of Parliament from across political parties join the discussion to ensure a comprehensive dialogue on the administration of Hajj affairs. 

He also requested the participation of the Director of the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs and other relevant officials to help address concerns and identify practical solutions for prospective pilgrims.

Bathiudeen urged that the meeting be scheduled during forthcoming Parliamentary sitting days, noting the importance of constructive engagement to resolve issues affecting the Muslim community. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Police said special security and traffic arrangements will be in place islandwide for the Hajj festival on May 28, 2026.

Security would be tightened around major mosques and surrounding areas where special religious observances are being held, Police said.

Special traffic plans, mobile patrols, bicycle and motorcycle patrols, and intelligence operations will also be deployed to ensure the safety of devotees and maintain public order.

Police urged the public to cooperate with security measures and report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through emergency numbers 119 and 118. (Newswire)

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The first batch of 325 Sri Lankan Hajj pilgrims, who arrived in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Saturday (02), was received by the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Ameer Ajwad, at the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. 

According to the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Riyadh, the arrival of the group marks the commencement of this year’s Hajj operations for Sri Lanka.

Acting Consul General Mafusa Lafir,  Asmiya Ameer Ajwad, officials of the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Jeddah, representatives of Rehlat Wa Manafe, the designated Hajj service provider for Sri Lanka for 2026, and representatives of Nusuk Hajj operations were also present to welcome the pilgrims and facilitate their arrival arrangements.

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Ameer Ajwad extended his best wishes to the pilgrims and highlighted the profound spiritual significance of the Hajj journey. 

He expressed sincere appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, for the meticulous arrangements and exceptional facilities provided to ensure the well-being and comfort of millions of Hajj pilgrims arriving in the Kingdom from around the globe, including Sri Lanka.

The Ambassador also assured the Sri Lankan pilgrims that the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Riyadh and the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Jeddah stand ready to assist them in fulfilling their religious obligation in a smooth, safe, and peaceful manner.

The Sri Lankan Embassy in Riyadh further states that for the Hajj 2026 season, arrangements have been made to accommodate 3,500 Sri Lankan pilgrims. 

This coordination involves close collaboration among the Sri Lanka Hajj Mission, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia, the designated Saudi service provider, and local travel operators to ensure the successful conduct of the pilgrimage. (Newswire)

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The Office of the Deputy Minister of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs says a young man who voluntarily served during the COVID‑19 pandemic has been granted the opportunity to participate in the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage free of charge.

Deputy Minister Muneer Mulaffar officially handed over the air tickets and documents yesterday (04) at his office to Moulavi Sameem, who was nominated by his peers for his dedication.

Sameem was part of a youth group from Ottamavadi that assisted in the burial of COVID‑19 victims at great personal risk. 

In recognition of his service, the group proposed his name to receive the honour of joining the pilgrimage. (Newswire)

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By Khalidh Rizwan

In alignment with Vision 2030, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues its trailblazing digital transformation, marking Hajj 2025 as a milestone in technological innovation and spiritual elevation. 

This year’s pilgrimage season has seen an unprecedented integration of advanced digital tools, intelligent infrastructure, and sustainable solutions, all tailored to improve the experience of millions of pilgrims from across the globe.

Among the flagship innovations is the expansion of the “Road to Makkah” initiative, which has simplified immigration procedures for pilgrims from countries such as Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and beyond. Through this system, pilgrims complete entry formalities at their airports of departure, ensuring a smooth arrival experience in Saudi Arabia.

Complementing this initiative is the “Nusuk” platform, a unified digital ecosystem launched by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. With over 120 services, from e-visas and accommodation to real-time guidance, Nusuk provides pilgrims with comprehensive logistical support from the moment they plan their journey.

To ensure the safety and movement of large crowds, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) has deployed advanced platforms such as “Baseer” and “Sawaher.” These AI-driven systems monitor and analyze pilgrim movement patterns, alert authorities of congestion, and facilitate timely intervention, especially during high-traffic rituals like Tawaf and Sa’i.

Pilgrims also benefit from biometric verification tools like “Banan,” ensuring secure access to services. Additionally, smart bracelets and ID cards connected to the Nusuk system track pilgrims’ locations, assist in emergency situations, and provide guided navigation across sacred sites.

In an impressive blend of heritage and high-tech, the Kingdom has stationed multilingual robotic assistants in Masjid Al-Haram and Mina. These AI-powered robots offer religious guidance, respond to queries in multiple languages, and support differently abled pilgrims, reflecting the inclusive spirit of Islam.

Saudi Arabia has also invested in eco-conscious infrastructure. The Haramain high-speed train connects Jeddah, Mecca, and Medina in under two hours and has ramped up frequency during the Hajj season. Further, the introduction of air taxis and self-driving shuttles at major entry points marks a turning point in future-ready transportation.

Electric buses, solar-powered cooling stations, and biodegradable meal packaging are part of a broader strategy to reduce the environmental impact of the Hajj. These initiatives align with the Kingdom’s Green Initiative, aimed at sustainable urban and ecological development.

Ensuring pilgrims’ health remains a top priority. Mandatory vaccinations, health screening at arrival hubs, and the deployment of field hospitals have helped mitigate public health risks. In a groundbreaking step, telemedicine robots now operate in key locations, allowing instant consultations and reducing stress on physical facilities.

AI monitoring tools are also tracking health indicators and identifying potential outbreaks, creating a responsive and resilient healthcare system during the intense Hajj period.

Beyond logistics, the Kingdom has revitalized more than 40 historical Islamic sites and launched interactive museums to provide pilgrims with deeper insight into Islamic heritage. Programs under the Pilgrim Experience Program invite visitors to immerse themselves in the historical and cultural context of the rituals they perform.

With these technological advancements and human-centered policies, Hajj 2025 stands as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enriching the pilgrim journey physically, logistically, and spiritually.

As His Excellency Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, Minister of Hajj and Umrah, remarked, “We are not only hosting guests of God; we are enhancing their experience through compassion, efficiency, and innovation. This is the future of Hajj inclusive, safe, and spiritually profound.”

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Sri Lanka signed the agreement for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia recently (Jan 11) demonstrating the commitment of both governments to enhancing the pilgrimage experience for Sri Lankan Muslims.

The agreement was signed by the Sri Lankan delegation headed by the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs of Sri Lanka, Dr. Sunil Senevi, and the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Abdulfattah Bin Sulaiman Mashat. 

According to the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Jeddah, Minister Senevi is visiting Saudi Arabia at the invitation of the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah.

During the bilateral meeting which preceded the signing of the agreement, Minister Senevi emphasized the focus of the Government of Sri Lanka on improving the Hajj experience for its citizens, and shared plans for streamlining Hajj operations in the future, aiming for a smoother and more efficient pilgrimage process.

Minister Senevi is also scheduled to meet with the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq Fawzan Alrabiah and engage with Hajj service providers. The delegation will also visit Madinah, holy Prophet’s city, as well as important cultural sites in Jeddah and Madinah. 

Further, the Minister engaged in interactions with the Sri Lankan community in Jeddah. 

The Sri Lankan delegation includes Deputy Minister of National Integration, Muneer Mulaffar, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Saudi Arabia, Ameer Ajwad, Director of the  Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs, M.R.M. Nawas, Acting Consul  General of Sri Lanka in Jeddah, Mafusa Lafir and Hajj Coordinator, Dr. M.N.M. Ahsraff. (Newswire)

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President Ranil Wickremesinghe has extended his wishes to the entire Muslim community in Sri Lanka and around the world for a meaningful Hajj celebration.

In his message to mark the Hajj festival, celebrated today, President Wickremesinghe said to achieve spiritual and worldly success, individuals must abandon selfishness and embrace a life of sacrifice and harmony.

Stating that Muslims celebrate the Hajj festival each year with this noble aim in mind, the President pointed out that on this occasion, Muslims from around the globe gather at a single place of worship, united in purpose, to pray for communal values that embody the hope of humanity. 

“The Hajj celebration fosters feelings of equality and brotherhood among all people, delivering a profound message for world peace.

“I extend my heartfelt wishes to the entire Muslim community in Sri Lanka and around the world for a meaningful Hajj celebration, where everyone comes together to fulfill the aspirations of humanity,” he added. (Newswire)

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The first group of Hajj pilgrims from Sri Lanka for this year, consisting of 68 pilgrims, departed from the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake on Tuesday (May 21). 

Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Sri Lanka, Khaled bin Hamoud Al-Kahtani, attended the send-off ceremony, which was held in the presence of Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Vidura Wickremanayake, along with the Chairman of the Hajj Committee of Sri Lanka, Ibrahim Sahib Ansar and officials of the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Ambassador Khaled bin Hamoud Al-Kahtani congratulated the Sri Lankan pilgrims enlightening that the Government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Highness the Crown Prince pays great attention to the pilgrims of the Grand Mosque of Mecca.

He further said that the Kingdom had taken all measures to ensure the comfort of the pilgrims and for their completion of the religious obligation with ease and grace.

The Ambassador also praised the level of coordination and cooperation between the Embassy, Ministry of Religious Affairs and officials of the Hajj Committee of Sri Lanka regarding Hajj arrangements for Sri Lankan pilgrims. (Newswire)

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Sri Lankan officials on Sunday congratulated the Saudi leadership for the success of this year’s Hajj, as pilgrims from the island nation began wrapping up their stay in the Kingdom, Arab News reported.

In predominantly Buddhist Sri Lanka, Muslims constitute about 10 percent of its 22 million population. 

According to Arab News, this year, about 3,500 of them performed the pilgrimage that is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

The Hajj season drew to a close after nearly 1.9 million Muslims from around the world performed its rites.

“We wish to congratulate the leadership of the Kingdom for the successful conclusion of the biggest Hajj operation ever,” Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Pakeer Mohideen Amza told Arab News.

“Though there were a few challenges … the spirit in which those challenges were approached by the Hajj authorities was exemplary,” he said.

When about 100 Sri Lankan pilgrims faced issues with their accommodation, the problem was resolved, with Saudi authorities providing them alternatives, Amza said as he extended his “sincere appreciation.”

Falah Alhabshi Mowlana, Sri Lanka’s consul general in Jeddah, also gave a nod to how Saudi officials began the administrative process for Hajj very early on with authorities in Colombo.

“The Saudi government started the process of this year’s Hajj in January,” he told Arab News.

“It is a huge challenge to accommodate around 1.9 million pilgrims in a limited area. In my view, the Saudi government has utilized its fullest potential to succeed in the Hajj affairs.

“The challenging rituals, such as staying in Mina and Arafat, also concluded without risk or harm,” he said.

Rizmi Reyal, who heads the Sri Lanka Hajj Travel Operators Association and took part in this year’s Hajj, also commended the services provided at Makkah’s Grand Mosque, and the medical and emergency facilities throughout the Kingdom.

“The services at Jamarat Bridge were very good and the police officers were very friendly,” he said.

Reyal also praised the speed at which immigration clearance was handled for the pilgrims but said he hoped there would be improvements to the handling of travel documents and transportation services for future pilgrimages. (NewsWire)

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