Sri Lanka is expected to fully utilize its Hajj quota this year, following the lifting of a government policy that required pilgrims from the country, which is beset by various crises, to pay for their travel expenses in foreign currency for 2022. With this policy no longer in place, Sri Lankan pilgrims will now be able to travel to Saudi Arabia without the added burden.
Arab News reported that, Ibrahim Sahib Ansar, who is in charge of Hajj logistics at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the government of Sri Lanka has chosen not to impose restrictions this year, as the Sri Lankan economy has been experiencing an upward trend. This decision has been made due to the improved economic conditions in the country. The government has taken this step to alleviate any financial burdens on the pilgrims.
In 2022, during the Hajj pilgrimage, only about 960 Sri Lankan pilgrims were able to participate, which was only slightly more than half of the previous year’s quota. These low numbers can be attributed to the severe economic crisis that Sri Lanka was undergoing at the time, which was the worst the country had experienced since its independence in 1948.
In light of the high cost of sending worshippers to Makkah, which has been estimated at approximately $10 million, the government has established conditions that permit Muslims to perform the pilgrimage, but only if they cover their own expenses using foreign currency. This policy has been implemented as an effort to prevent a financial burden on the national economy. However, it can be argued that this requirement poses considerable challenges for those who cannot afford the expenses in foreign currency, substituting a religious obligation with a financial obstacle.
With the removal of the requirements this year, Sri Lanka is anticipating to make full use of its quota of 3,500 pilgrims, which had been previously allocated. This indicates a significant increase in the number of pilgrims who will be able to perform this important religious ritual.
As of Wednesday, Arab News reported that the Ministry of Religious Affairs has reported that approximately 2,200 individuals are now registered with their organization.
According to Ansar, the number of pilgrims traveling to Hajj from Sri Lanka is expected to reach 3,500 this year, indicating a growth in enthusiasm and interest among the people to undertake this religious pilgrimage.
The Islamic faith is adhered to by approximately 10 percent of the population of the country, which boasts a population of 22 million and is primarily inhabited by followers of Buddhism.
Although the economy of their country is not in a stable state, the Muslim minority population is unwavering in their commitment to undertake the spiritual journey, which is a crucial part of the five basic principles of faith in Islam.
According to Ansar, a notable observation among Sri Lankan Muslims is that they prioritize their religious obligations regardless of their financial status. This includes the practice of prayer, fasting, and making the pilgrimage to Hajj. It shows that commitment to spiritual beliefs and practices.
The Muslim community in Sri Lanka is widely recognized for their deep-seated religious beliefs and devotion. One of the noteworthy practices among them is the emphasis placed on saving money for several years to fulfill one of the most significant duties in their faith, the Hajj pilgrimage. This annual pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca is regarded as a vital obligation.
The government of Sri Lanka has taken a significant step to enhance the Hajj operations for its citizens. They have appointed more than 100 travel agents to ensure that the Hajj pilgrimage is streamlined and hassle-free.
Rizmi Reyal, the chairman of the All-Ceylon Hajj Tour Operators Association, expressed in an interview with Arab News that the rising level of enthusiasm and increasing number of pilgrims demonstrates the gradual return of normalcy in the country. These positive trends suggest that people are beginning to feel more comfortable and are re-establishing their routines after a period of instability.
According to the speaker, the current circumstances in the country are returning to usual conditions, showing significant improvement when compared to the difficulties and challenges encountered in the preceding year.
According to recent economic indicators, the rupee currency is displaying signs of strengthening against other global currencies, which is speculated to benefit the country’s economy in the long run.
