Four Sri Lankan Quran memorizers have been selected to compete at the 46th King Abdulaziz International Holy Quran Memorization Competition in Saudi Arabia, marking the largest delegation the country has ever sent to the prestigious event.

Sri Lanka will send four contestants to the King Abdulaziz International Holy Quran Memorization Competition being held in Saudi Arabia from August 6 to 19, according to The Island. The participants are Mohammed Imthad Iyaz Mohammed from Mawahibul Uloom Arabic College in Rajagiriya, M.A. Fathima Nilama from Daru Ayesha Arabic College in Puttalam, Mohammed Ibbath Sayeed from Darul Uloom Arabic College in Dehiwala, and Mumtaza Mansoor from Ummul Qura Ladies' Arabic College in Kandy. This represents a significant increase from Sri Lanka's historical participation, as the country has traditionally sent only one contestant to the competition.

The four representatives qualified through a national Quran competition organised jointly by the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Colombo and the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs. A farewell ceremony was held at the Saudi Embassy on Tuesday, with attendance from Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs Muneer Mulaffer, embassy officials, and the contestants' families. Saudi Arabia's Acting Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Yasir Abdulrahman Al-Hasmi, oversaw the event where travel documents and visas were distributed.

This year's competition holds particular significance as it marks the inaugural year women have been permitted to participate in the international event. Two of Sri Lanka's four representatives are female, representing a milestone for the country's Muslim community. The competition will draw 334 contestants from 133 countries, with male competitors participating at the Grand Mosque in Makkah and female competitors also competing in Makkah. Saudi authorities are covering travel, accommodation, and expenses for all participants and accompanying family members, with opportunities for attendees to perform Umrah and visit Islamic holy sites.