President Waheed departs for Umrah

President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik has departed this morning to Saudi Arabia for an Umrah pilgrimage.

The President was accompanied by First Lady Madam Ilham Hussain.

Press Secretary at the President’s Office Massood Imad told Sun today that in addition to the pilgrimage, the President is also scheduled to meet with senior Saudi government officials during his visit.

The President is due to return on the 15th of this month, Massood said.

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has also announced his intentions to go for Umrah. However, he has run into a stone wall trying to obtain visa to Saudi Arabia and still resides in Sri Lanka to get his application processed.