The overseas travel ban imposed on controversial Sri Lankan Pastor Jerome Fernando has been lifted.

The order was issued when the case filed against Pastor Jerome Fernando was taken up for hearing before the Fort Magistrate’s Court today.

Pastor Jerome Fernando was arrested in December 2023 by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) after providing a statement for two days.

The Pastor was wanted by the Sri Lanka Police after allegedly having made derogatory statements about Lord Buddha, Islam, and Hinduism in front of a packed congregation in May 2023.

Video footage of his remarks had caused an uproar among the followers of Buddhism in the country. Following the uproar, Pastor Jerome Fernando issued multiple apologies regarding his controversial statement.

He was arrested and interrogated upon his arrival in Sri Lanka after nearly six months overseas since the incident. (Newswire)

The post Court lifts overseas travel ban on Pastor Jerome Fernando appeared first on Newswire.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference in Sri Lanka has clarified that controversial Sri Lankan Pastor, Jerome Fernando is not a Bishop of the Catholic Church.

The clarification was issued via a statement responding to recent media reports of Pastor Jerome Fernando being appointed a Bishop. 

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference in Sri Lanka further said that Pastor Jerome Fernando, who has no official apostolic succession in the Catholic Church, is not a Bishop of the Catholic Church.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference in Sri Lanka urged its followers not to be deceived by such information. 

In November this year, it was reported that the Synod of the Global Apostolic Dioceses Churches USA, the internationally recognized Inter-Government Organization with over four decades of Christian ministry work, consecrated Prophet H.E. Dr. Jerome Fernando as an ordained Bishop.

Prophet Jerome Fernando was ordained as a Bishop during a ceremony held at the Miracle Dome in Katunayake. (Newswire)

The post “Jerome Fernando not a Bishop of the Catholic Church” appeared first on Newswire.

A tense situation was reported between villagers and Sri Lankan pastor, Jerome Fernando during the latter’s visit to Meepitiya in Nawalapitiya today. 

The Nawalapitiya Police had intervened to diffuse the tension between the pastor and area residents.

The villagers had alleged that the pastor was building a religious site under the pretext of constructing a rehabilitation centre and that no state entities had been informed in this regard.

Pointing out that the village is made of people from all religions residing in harmony, the villagers alleged that people who create discord between religions will not be allowed to destroy the existing peace in the Nawalapitiya area.

Due to the protest by the villagers, pastor Jerome Fernando has been reportedly forced to leave the area. 

Taking to ‘Facebook’, Pastor Jerome Fernando claimed that the incident was part and parcel of the calling of a Prophet.

“Travelled 130 km to inaugurate the prayer mountain this morning, only to be threatened by trespassing villagers, disallowed to pray on Church property, commanded to leave the property, thrown mud at and was sarcastically spoken to by a police officer that if they threw a president out of the country then they can do the same to me. This is part and parcel of the calling of a Prophet and this comes to me as no surprise. Sri Lanka needs Help!” he added. 

Watch :  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6p0UZu70bOU (Newswire)

The post Tense situation over Pastor Jerome’s visit to Nawalapitiya appeared first on Newswire.

The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court has announced its decisions on the cases involving two key figures in Sri Lanka. 

Firstly, the Court has temporarily lifted the travel ban that was imposed on controversial Sri Lankan pastor, Jerome Fernando. 

Pastor Fernando was arrested and remanded in December 2023, for allegedly having made derogatory statements about Lord Buddha, Islam, and Hinduism in front of a packed congregation in May last year.

Having informed the court of the need to travel to several countries, the court, taking into consideration the request, temporarily lifted the travel ban, subject to the earlier bail conditions. 

Meanwhile, the Fort Magistrate’s Court imposed a travel ban on Sri Lankan actress Damitha Abeyratne and her husband. 

The travel ban was imposed in connection to the case in which Damitha Abeyratne and her husband have been accused of defrauding money by claiming to provide foreign jobs. (NewsWire)

The post Pastor Jerome & Actress Damitha cases : New court updates appeared first on Newswire.

The Criminal Investigations Department has been warned for filing a case on illegal assets against controversial Sri Lankan pastor, Jerome Fernando in a non-adjacent jurisdictional area, it was reported.

According to Daily News, Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage yesterday (Feb 07) strongly criticised the CID on the matter and further inquired about the failure to report the matter to the nearest judicial district.

The Magistrate made inquiries following reports that a case had been filed against Pastor Jerome in the Mount Lavinia Court regarding illegal assets under the Money Laundering Act.

Stating that he would inquire from the Acting Inspector General of Police in this regard, the Magistrate also informed that action would be taken against the CID for failing to file the case in the nearby judicial region.

The Magistrate further ordered that the case against Pastor Jerome Fernando be taken up for hearing on April 3, 2024. (NewsWire)

The post Pastor Jerome : Police blamed for filing case in wrong court appeared first on Newswire.

Controversial Sri Lankan Pastor Jerome Fernando has been granted bail after being in remand custody since last December. 

Pastor Jerome Fernando was granted bail by the Fort Magistrates Court today (Jan 03). 

He was arrested in December 2023 by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) after providing a statement for two days.

The Pastor was wanted by the Sri Lanka Police after allegedly having made derogatory statements about Lord Buddha, Islam, and Hinduism in front of a packed congregation in May last year.

Video footage of his remarks had caused an uproar among the followers of Buddhism in the country. Following the uproar, Pastor Jerome Fernando issued multiple apologies regarding his controversial statement.

He was arrested and interrogated upon his arrival in Sri Lanka after nearly six months overseas since the incident. (NewsWire)

The post Pastor Jerome granted bail appeared first on Newswire.

Controversial Sri Lankan Pastor Jerome Fernando has been further remanded until January 03, 2024.

Pastor Jerome Fernando was further remanded after being produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court today.

Pastor Fernando was arrested in December by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) after providing a statement for two days.

The controversial Sri Lankan Pastor was wanted by the Sri Lanka Police after allegedly having made derogatory statements about Lord Buddha, Islam, and Hinduism in front of a packed congregation in May this year.

Video footage of his remarks had caused an uproar among the followers of Buddhism in the country. Following the uproar, Pastor Jerome Fernando issued multiple apologies regarding his controversial statement.

He was arrested and interrogated upon his arrival in Sri Lanka after nearly six months overseas since the incident. (NewsWire)

The post Pastor Jerome Fernando further remanded appeared first on Newswire.

Controversial Sri Lankan Pastor Jerome Fernando has been further remanded until December 27.

Pastor Jerome Fernando was further remanded after being produced before the Fort Magistrate’s Court today.

Pastor Fernando was arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) after providing a statement for the second consecutive day on December 01.

The controversial Sri Lankan Pastor was wanted by the Sri Lanka Police after allegedly having made derogatory statements about Lord Buddha, Islam, and Hinduism in front of a packed congregation in May this year.

Video footage of his remarks had caused an uproar among the followers of Buddhism in the country. Following the uproar, Pastor Jerome Fernando issued multiple apologies regarding his controversial statement.

He was arrested and interrogated after arriving in Sri Lanka nearly six months overseas since the incident. (NewsWire)

The post No bail : Pastor Jerome further remanded appeared first on Newswire.

Controversial Sri Lankan Pastor, Jerome Fernando has been arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa said Pastor Fernando was apprehended after reporting to the CID to provide a statement today.

Pastor Jerome Fernando provided a statement for the second consecutive day today (Dec 02), after he provided an 08 hour statement to the CID yesterday following his arrival in Sri Lanka after 06 months overseas.

The controversial Sri Lankan Pastor was wanted by the Sri Lanka Police after allegedly having made derogatory statements about Lord Buddha, Islam, and Hinduism in front of a packed congregation in May this year.

Video footage of his remarks had caused an uproar among the followers of Buddhism in the country. Following the uproar, Pastor Jerome Fernando issued multiple apologies regarding his controversial statement.

The CID obtained a travel ban against Pastor Jerome Fernando from the Fort Magistrate’s Court in May, but it was revealed that the pastor had left the country by that time.

Following his departure overseas in May amidst the controversy surrounding him, Pastor Jerome Fernando returned to Sri Lanka yesterday.

The CID refrained from arresting him based on a court order on the Fundamental Rights (FR) petition that was filed requesting an order preventing his arrest.

However, the court instructed Pastor Jerome Fernando to provide a statement to the CID within 48 hours of his arrival, following which he provided an 08 hour statement yesterday. (NewsWire)

The post Pastor Jerome Fernando arrested – Police appeared first on Newswire.

Controversial Sri Lankan Pastor, Jerome Fernando arrived in Sri Lanka this morning (Nov 29).

Pastor Jerome Fernando is expected to give a statement to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) within the next 48 hours as per a court order.

The Court of Appeal, on November 17, directed the CID not to arrest Sri Lankan Pastor Jerome Fernando on his arrival in Sri Lanka.

The Court also ordered Pastor Jerome to provide a statement to the CID within 48 hours of his arrival.

Pastor Jerome Fernando is wanted by the Sri Lanka Police after allegedly having made derogatory statements about Lord Buddha, Islam, and Hinduism in front of a packed congregation in May this year.

Video footage of his remarks had caused an uproar among the followers of Buddhism in the country. Following the uproar, Pastor Jerome Fernando issued multiple apologies regarding his controversial statement.

The CID obtained a travel ban against Pastor Jerome Fernando from the Fort Magistrate’s Court in May, but it was revealed that the pastor had left the country by that time.

Pastor Jerome Fernando also filed a Fundamental Rights (FR) petition requesting the court to issue an order preventing his arrest by the CID. 

In July, the Supreme Court was informed that investigations have found Rs. 12.2 billion worth of transactions related to bank accounts held by Pastor Jerome Fernando.

The transactions were found following the examination of 11 bank accounts held by the controversial pastor, while investigations are being conducted under the Prevention Of Money Laundering Act into the accounts.

Following his departure overseas in May amidst the controversy surrounding him, Pastor Jerome Fernando has returned to Sri Lanka after nearly 6 months abroad. (NewsWire)

The post No arrest : Pastor Jerome arrives in Sri Lanka appeared first on Newswire.

The Court of Appeal has directed the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) not to arrest Sri Lankan Pastor Jerome Fernando on his arrival in Sri Lanka.

The Court has also ordered Pastor Jerome to provide a statement to the CID within 48 hours of his arrival.

Pastor Jerome Fernando is wanted by the Sri Lanka Police after allegedly having made derogatory statements about Lord Buddha, Islam, and Hinduism in front of a packed congregation in May this year. 

Video footage of his remarks had caused an uproar among the followers of Buddhism in the country. Following the uproar, Pastor Jerome Fernando issued multiple apologies regarding his controversial statement.

The CID obtained a travel ban against Pastor Jerome Fernando from the Fort Magistrate’s Court in May, but it was revealed that the pastor had left the country by that time.

Pastor Jerome Fernando also filed a Fundamental Rights (FR) petition requesting the court to issue an order preventing his arrest by the CID. He is yet to return to Sri Lanka. 

In July, the Supreme Court was informed that investigations have found Rs. 12.2 billion worth of transactions related to bank accounts held by Pastor Jerome Fernando.

The transactions were found following the examination of 11 bank accounts held by the controversial pastor, while investigations are being conducted under the Prevention Of Money Laundering Act into the accounts. (NewsWire)

The post Pastor Jerome gets major court relief appeared first on Newswire.

Investigations have found Rs. 12.2 billion worth of transactions related to bank accounts held by Sri Lankan Pastor Jerome Fernando, the Supreme Court was informed today.

According to reports, representing the Attorney General, Additional Solicitor General Priyantha Nawana informed the court that the transactions were found following the examination of 11 bank accounts held by the controversial pastor. 

Stating that investigations are continuing into the said bank accounts, Additional Solicitor General Priyantha Nawana said the investigations are being conducted under the Prevention Of Money Laundering Act.

Pastor Jerome Fernando is wanted by the Sri Lanka Police after allegedly having made derogatory statements pertaining to Lord Buddha, Islam, and Hinduism in front of a packed congregation in May. 

Video footage of his remarks had caused an uproar among the followers of Buddhism in the country. Following the uproar, Pastor Jerome Fernando issued multiple apologies regarding his controversial statement.

The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) obtained a travel ban against Pastor Jerome Fernando from the Fort Magistrate’s Court in May, but it was revealed that the pastor had left the country by that time.

Pastor Jerome Fernando also filed a Fundamental Rights (FR) petition requesting the court to issue an order preventing his arrest by the CID. He is yet to return to Sri Lanka. (NewsWire)

The post Pastor Jerome : SC informed of Rs. 12.2 bn worth of transactions appeared first on Newswire.

The lawyers representing controversial Sri Lankan Pastor Jerome Fernando today withdrew the writ petition filed seeking an order to prevent his arrest by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

Pastor Jerome Fernando is wanted by the Sri Lanka Police after allegedly having made derogatory statements related to Lord Buddha, Islam, and Hinduism in front of a packed congregation. 

Video footage of his remarks had caused an uproar among the followers of Buddhism in the country. Following the uproar, Pastor Jerome Fernando issued an apology regarding his controversial statement.

The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) obtained a travel ban against Pastor Jerome Fernando from the Fort Magistrate’s Court on May 15, but it was revealed that the pastor had left the country the previous day.

Pastor Jerome Fernando, thereafter, filed a Fundamental Rights (FR) petition requesting the court to issue an order preventing his arrest by the CID. 

Last week, the Court of Appeal was informed by the Attorney General that an investigation has been launched against Pastor Jerome Fernando under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. (NewsWire)

The post Pastor Jerome withdraws FR petition against arrest appeared first on Newswire.

An investigation has been launched against controversial Sri Lankan Pastor Jerome Fernando under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

The Court of Appeal was informed of the investigation by the Attorney General when the case filed against Pastor Jerome Fernando was taken up for hearing today.

Pastor Jerome Fernando is wanted by the Sri Lanka Police after having made derogatory statements related to Lord Buddha, Islam, and Hinduism in front of a packed congregation. 

Video footage of his remarks had caused an uproar among the followers of Buddhism in the country. Following the uproar, Pastor Jerome Fernando issued an apology regarding his controversial statement.

The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) obtained a travel ban against Pastor Jerome Fernando from the Fort Magistrate’s Court on May 15, but it was revealed that the pastor had left the country the previous day.

Pastor Jerome Fernando has filed a Fundamental Rights (FR) petition requesting the court to issue an order preventing his arrest by the CID. (NewsWire)

The post Pastor Jerome : Investigation launched under Money Laundering Act appeared first on Newswire.

The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has decided to support the Fundamental Rights (FR) petition filed by Pastor Jerome Fernando seeking an order preventing his arrest, on July 28.

Pastor Jerome Fernando had filed the FR petition in May requesting the court to issue an order preventing his arrest by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). 

The Supreme Court also allowed a group, including Venerable Elle Gunawanse Thera, to provide facts related to the petition.

Pastor Jerome Fernando is wanted by the Sri Lanka Police over controversial statements made with regard to other religions of Sri Lanka. 

The CID obtained a travel ban against Pastor Jerome Fernando from the Fort Magistrate’s Court on May 15, but it was revealed that the pastor had left the country the previous day.

The travel ban was sought after Pastor Jerome Fernando was accused of having made derogatory statements related to Lord Buddha, Islam, and Hinduism in front of a packed congregation. 

Video footage of his remarks had caused an uproar among the followers of Buddhism in the country.

However, following the uproar, Pastor Jerome Fernando issued an apology regarding his controversial statement. (NewsWire)

The post Pastor Jerome : Update on SC case appeared first on Newswire.

A Fundamental Rights petition was filed at the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka by Pastor Jerome Fernando today seeking an order preventing his arrest by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

The CID obtained a travel ban against Pastor Jerome Fernando from the Fort Magistrate’s Court last week over controversial statements made with regard to other religions of Sri Lanka. 

However, it was revealed that the pastor had left the country on Sunday (May 14). 

The travel ban was sought after Pastor Jerome Fernando was accused of having made derogatory statements related to Lord Buddha, Islam, and Hinduism in front of a packed congregation. 

Video footage of his remarks had caused an uproar among the followers of Buddhism in the country.

Following the uproar, Pastor Jerome Fernando issued an apology regarding his controversial statement. (NewsWire)

The post Preventing arrest : New move from Pastor Jerome appeared first on Newswire.

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has rejected any form of connections with controversial Sri Lankan pastor Jerome Fernando and Zimbabwean Pastor Uebert Angel, it was reported.

According to Daily Mirror, the former President stated yesterday (17) that he had only met with Pastor Jerome after the latter’s office had sought a meeting during Rajapaksa’s tenure as the Prime Minister. 

Rajapaksa further stated that the meeting had been arranged with the Prime Minister’s Office as he was also the Minister of Religious Affairs at the time. 

“It was a cordial meeting during which both the Pastors conducted a small prayer meeting with me and my wife. Since it was an official meeting, the pictures were released to the media. I have met Pastor Jerome and Uebert Angel only during that instance and have held no other meetings with them nor do I have any personal connections with either,” Rajapaksa revealed.

Condemning Pastor Jerome’s recent controversial statements during a religious congregation, Mahinda Rajapaksa stated that there is no room for communal disharmony in Sri Lanka.

“I strongly condemn remarks made by any individuals who attempt to cause communal disharmony in Sri Lanka especially when we fought hard as a nation to bring in unity and end all divisions,” Rajapaksa said.

Pastor Jerome Fernando is wanted by the Sri Lanka Police for having made derogatory statements against other religions, including Buddhism, which caused an uproar in the country.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe had ordered the Criminal Investigations Department to launch an inquiry into the matter after which a travel ban was sought against the pastor.

However, it was revealed that Pastor Jerome had left the country on Sunday (May 14), with the Police spokesman stating that he will be arrested upon his return to Sri Lanka. (NewsWire)

The post Pastor Jerome & Uebert Angel : MR responds to allegations appeared first on Newswire.

Pastor Jerome Fernando who heads a religious congregation will be arrested following his return to Sri Lanka, Police spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa said today.

Stating that the pastor is reported to have left the country, SSP Thalduwa said he will be arrested upon his return over his recent controversial statements made related to Buddhism. 

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) obtained a travel ban against Pastor Jerome Fernando from the Fort Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

However, it was revealed that the pastor had left the country on Sunday, May 14, 2023. 

Pastor Fernando is accused of having made derogatory statements related to Lord Buddha, Islam, and Hinduism in front of a packed congregation recently. 

Video footage of his remarks had caused an uproar among the followers of Buddhism in the country.

The Archdiocese of Colombo also clarified yesterday that Pastor Jerome Fernando was neither a Catholic priest nor connected to the Catholic Church of Sri Lanka. (NewsWire)

The post Pastor Jerome to be arrested upon return to SL – Police Spokesman appeared first on Newswire.

Pastor Jerome Fernando who heads a religious congregation is neither a Catholic priest nor connected to the Catholic Church of Sri Lanka, the Archdiocese of Colombo clarified today.

Speaking to the media, Reverend Father Cyril Gamini Fernando stated that it has been observed that a recent statement made by Pastor Jerome has posed a threat to religious harmony in the country.

Stating that every individual has the right to practice and preach their favoured religion, Reverend Father Cyril Gamini further stated, however, they do not possess the right to make derogatory or controversial statements against another religion.

“The controversial statement made by Pastor Jerome may influence the thoughts of his followers against another religion and may result in opposing views of the religion,” he warned.

Reverend Father Cyril Gamini added that the Archdiocese of Colombo further requests the public to be vigilant of people instigating racial and religious tensions in the country.

The clarification comes after video footage made rounds on social media over the weekend showing Pastor Jerome Fernando making derogatory statements related to Lord Buddha causing uproar among followers of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

"Public should be vigilant of people instigating racial and religious tensions in the country" Archdiocese of Colombo slams Pastor Jerome pic.twitter.com/qDwLQBnK4J

— NewsWire (@NewsWireLK) May 16, 2023

Video : https://web.facebook.com/watch/?extid=CL-UNK-UNK-UNK-AN_GK0T-GK1C&mibextid=2Rb1fB&v=765983278512287  (NewsWire)

The post Catholic church reveals opinion on Pastor Jerome Fernando appeared first on Newswire.