(UTV|COLOMBO) – Post, Postal services and Muslim Religious Affairs Minister M H Abdul Haleem said that the Saudi government has decided to increase Haj quota up to 3500 for Sri Lanka this year. Consequent to the discussion held between the Minister in charge of Haj Affairs of the Saudi government and Minister Abdul Haleem this was confirmed by the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah.
Request by Minister Haleem, who is currently in Saudi Arabia was made to the Saudi government to increase Haj quota to Sri Lankan during negotiations held in Jeddah between Haj Affairs Minister responsible for Haj & Umra affairs In Saudi Arabia. Hajj quota enjoyed by Sri Lanka last years was nearly 3000 pilgrims.