Statement of Appreciation and Clarification Regarding Recent Inquiries During My Hajj Visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the Worlds. Peace and blessings be upon Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), his family, companions, and all those who follow his guidance.
I wish to briefly address the recent events that occurred during my stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia while performing the sacred pilgrimage of Hajj.
Following a complaint made by an individual against me in relation to my role as a member of the Book Review Committee of the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs under the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, I was requested to report to the Mina Police Station, where I was questioned regarding matters related to the complaint.
During this process, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Ambassador Ameer Ajwad, made representations to the relevant authorities, accompanied by the Consul General of Sri Lanka in Jeddah, Retired Judge M. M. Lafar Thahir, on the advice of the Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hon. Muneer Mulaffer.
I was also requested to provide information to officials of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Unfortunately, these routine procedures gave rise to various rumours and speculations, many of which were inaccurate.
I wish to emphasize that I was neither arrested nor detained, nor was my passport confiscated by the Saudi authorities at any point during my stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
By the grace of Allah, I returned to Sri Lanka on 31 May 2026, with the facilitation of His Excellency Ambassador Ameer Ajwad, in consultation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Throughout this period, the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) acted swiftly and responsibly. Members of the ACJU directly contacted the Office of the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka and raised concerns regarding my safety and well-being. They also communicated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and met with the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Arun Hemachandra, to ensure that all necessary diplomatic assistance was extended.
I am particularly grateful to the Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, and to the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Arun Hemachandra, for their personal attention and support in ensuring my welfare and safe return.
I also express my sincere appreciation to the Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hon. Sheikh Muneer Mulaffer, who led the Sri Lankan Hajj Mission; the Director of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs; the Chairman, Reyaz Mihular, and members of the Hajj Committee; and all officials who worked diligently to facilitate an amicable resolution.
My gratitude extends to the Government of Sri Lanka, the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Sri Lankan Embassy and Consulate in Saudi Arabia, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Sri Lanka, His Excellency Sheikh Khalid Al-Qahtani, the President of the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama, Sheikh M. I. M. Rizvi Mufti, the members of the ACJU, Mr. Rizmy Riyal of Traveller Global, the members of our Hajj group, social media activists who acted responsibly, and the countless friends, scholars, well-wishers, and members of the Sri Lankan Muslim community around the world who expressed concern, support, and solidarity.
I am especially grateful to all those who remembered me in their duas. The prayers, messages, and support extended to me and my family during this period were deeply appreciated.
Now that I have returned home safely, I respectfully request everyone to refrain from further speculation or the circulation of unverified information. Any remaining matters, if necessary, will be addressed through the appropriate legal and administrative channels.
Let us move forward with understanding, unity, and mutual respect. I humbly seek forgiveness from anyone who may have been inconvenienced or distressed by these events, and I pray that Allah rewards all those who assisted during this period.
May Allah guide us all, strengthen our unity, protect us from misunderstanding and discord, and enable us to serve our faith, our nation, and humanity with sincerity.
Sheikh Arkam Nooramith
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