Several Muslim organisations have praised the timely intervention of President Mahinda Rajapaksa for introducing a relief plan for thousands of would be Haj pilgrims this time.

"A large number of Muslims who aspire to go on Haj pilgrimage for the first time, would be benefited by this move" said the president of Jummah Mosque, Addalaichenai.

Several organisations also welcomed the inclusion of Asath Sally, the former Deputy Mayor of Colombo and Faizar Musthafa, Deputy Minister in the present government in the State’s Haj Group.

The relief plan proposed by the president is to give concessionary rate for those who are going on for Haj pilgrimage for the first time. This plan and the inclusion of two members in the State Haj group are expected to stop the alleged corruption involved in the arrangement of the annual Haj pilgrimage