Jeddah: Sri Lanka signed the agreement for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage on Sunday, 09 November 2025, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The agreement was formalized by the Sri Lankan delegation, led by Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs, Muneer Mulaffer, and the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Abdulfattah Bin Sulaiman Mashat.

According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Sri Lanka, the agreement outlines the mutual understanding and commitment of both governments to facilitate and serve the Sri Lankan pilgrims participating in Hajj 2026. The official Hajj quota allocated to Sri Lanka, as per the agreement, stands at 3,500 pilgrims.

During the signing ceremony, Deputy Minister Muneer Mulaffer expressed appreciation for the arrangements made by the Saudi authorities for Hajj 2025. He reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s readiness to continue its collaboration with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to ensure a successful Hajj 2026 for Sri Lankan pilgrims. Mulaffer also highlighted the measures taken by the Sri Lankan government to regularize hajj operations, including the draft Hajj Act.

Chairman of Sri Lanka Hajj Committee, Reyaz Mihular, discussed the Committee’s regulatory role and the operational processes being implemented for the upcoming Hajj season.

Deputy Minister Mulaffer is also scheduled to meet with Dr. Tawfiq Fawzan Alrabiah, the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, and engage with Hajj service providers.

The Sri Lanka delegation for the signing ceremony included Director of the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs M.S.M. Nawas, Acting Consul General in Jeddah Mafusa Lafir, Medical Coordinator Dr. Azeez Mohamed Shihan, and Hajj Coordinator Dr. M.N.M. Ahsraff.