The first contingent of 325 Sri Lankan Hajj pilgrims arrived in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia today (Saturday, 2 May 2026), marking the commencement of this year’s Hajj operations for Sri Lanka.

Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Ameer Ajwad, together with Mrs. Asmiya Ameer Ajwad and Acting Consul General Mafusa Lafir, warmly received the Sri Lankan pilgrims at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. 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 his sincere appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness 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 Haj 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.

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.

Embassy of Sri Lanka

Riyadh

02 May 2026