The investigations into the controversial feedback made by the self-styled “prophet” Pastor Jerome Fernando are already underway, the Legal professional Common knowledgeable the Supreme Courtroom at present (Might 24).
This was conveyed by Further Solicitor Common Priyantha Nawana, when a basic rights (FR) petition filed by Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thero was referred to as earlier than a Supreme Courtroom decide bench this morning.
The probes are being dealt with by the Prison Investigations Division (CID).
Pastor Fernando discovered himself in scorching water resulting from allegations that it included derogatory statements associated to Lord Buddha and different non secular figures after a video of his sermon was broadly circulated on social media, stirring a lot controversy within the nation.
On Might 15, President Ranil Wickremesinghe ordered the CID to launch an instantaneous investigation into the matter, citing that such statements might create non secular conflicts and hurt the nation’s concord.
The New Buddhist Entrance (‘Nawa Bikshu Peramuna’) and the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) additionally lodged a criticism with the CID, searching for the instant arrest of the Pastor and that strict authorized motion be initiated in opposition to him.
Later, an abroad journey ban was imposed in opposition to the Pastor on orders of the Colombo Fort Justice of the Peace’s Courtroom yesterday (16 Might), as per a request made by the CID. Fernando, nonetheless, left for Singapore on Might 14.
In the meantime, Sri Lanka Police stated Pastor Jerome might be arrested upon his return to the island as a result of abroad journey ban.
On Might 18, Ven. Gunawansa Thero and several other others lodged an FR petition searching for a Supreme Courtroom order directing the police chief to arrest Pastor Fernando and to take authorized motion in opposition to him.
In a live-streamed video, Pastor Fernando issued an apology, stating that “I’ve finished nothing fallacious. And whereas I’ve finished nothing fallacious, I need to but apologize to my Buddhist brothers, Hindu brothers, Muslim brothers and sisters, if my phrases by any means have harm you emotionally”.
