The Criminal Investigation Department has received information that Pastor Jerome Fernando, who insulted the Lord Buddha in a way that harmed the religious order by telling his followers in Kandy, has fled the country.
Pastor Jerome, who went to the Bandaranaike International Airport with a group of his followers last Sunday, escaped by boarding the flight that left for Singapore early yesterday morning.
Thus, he is fleeing the country knowing that an investigation will be started against him by order of the President, and now suspicion has arisen.
The Criminal Investigation Department also obtained a travel ban order against pastor Jerome Fernando, who fled the country, from the Fort Court today.
A senior police officer said that the pastor who has fled the country due to the flight ban will be able to be arrested when he returns to the country.
The initiation of an investigation against this pastor started when a video containing a statement made by him in such a way that the Lord Buddha was insulted started to share on social media.
The President’s special attention was drawn to this video and an order was even issued to the Inspector General of Police to conduct an investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department.
The President had also informed the Inspector General of Police to conduct an investigation into the pastor’s statement and submit a report to him as religious conflicts may be created due to irresponsible statements and it may affect the unity of the country.
This is so false. He did not flee the country. He went to Singapore and Malaysia to open churches which was scheduled many months ago. He never went to Kandy. He said this at his church in Katunayake. The travel ban was imposed on him on Tuesday according to a statement by the chief of police, Pas. Jerome left early Monday morning. There was no ban in force when he left. So he never fled the country.
I always liked your news report, but now I know they’re not factual. Please check your information before you publish it.