## Haj Operations Reform: Shifting to Open Market 📈

The Sri Lankan government has initiated a significant overhaul of Haj pilgrimage management, moving away from a rigid quota system toward a competitive market model to protect pilgrims from exploitation. • Strategic Transition The Haj Committee, under new professional leadership, has introduced a hybrid quota-allocation system. This marks a departure from previous models plagued by litigation and "money-spinning" unethical practices by operators. • Market-Driven Mechanics Phase 1: Operators are categorized by merit, with caps of 75 or 50 pilgrims per class to encourage competitive pricing. Phase 2 (2027): Plans to remove maximum ceilings entirely, allowing the service and travel market to dictate selection based on quality and cost. • Economic & Regulatory Impact Transparency: A move to eliminate political favoritism and "predatory pricing" that historically drove up costs for the national religious tourism segment. Standardization: Requirement for formal contracts between operators and pilgrims to be lodged with the Committee for legal oversight. Future Outlook: Calls for a comprehensive Haj Regulatory Act to formalize these reforms and align with broader national goals of institutional accountability. • Key Figures Quota Allocation: Historically 1 pilgrim per 1,000 Muslims (OIC standard). Governance: Managed by a newly appointed committee of professionals (KPMG, SLAS, and legal experts).