Hajj Guide: Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan হাজীগণ register through the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs or accredited private হজ্জ operators. Applications require a valid passport with at least 6 months validity, medical certificate, vaccination records, and passport-sized photographs. The হজ্জ Committee coordinates visa processing with the Saudi Embassy in Colombo. Pre-departure orientation sessions are conducted in Colombo and regional centers.

The Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs licenses private হজ্জ tour operators annually. A list of approved operators is published in government gazettes and the department's website. Pilgrims should verify operator credentials and compare packages before booking. The All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) also provides guidance on reputable operators.

Sri Lankan Muslims are predominantly Tamil and Sinhala-speaking. Arabic language preparation is মুস্তাহাব before departure. The Sri Lankan rupee should be exchanged through authorized money changers. Pilgrims should carry certified copies of all documents. The Muslim community in Sri Lanka follows predominantly the Shafi'i madhab. Health insurance for international travel is strongly মুস্তাহাব. Sri Lanka's embassy in Riyadh can assist with emergencies during the হজ্জ.