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Writ petition seeking prevention of Pastor Jerome’s arrest postponed

31 August 2023 02:23 pm - 11     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The writ petition filed by Pastor Jerome Fernando seeking an order preventing the police from arresting him in connection with the controversial Sunday sermon was postponed today for September 21 by the Court of Appeal.

The court was informed that the Attorney General had filed limited objections challenging the maintainability of the petition. The Court of Appeal fixed the matter to be taken up for support on September 21. 

The CID has already commenced investigations against Pastor Jerome for insulting other religions and for the alleged commission of offenses under Section 291B of the Penal Code and Section 3 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act of 56 of 2007.

It is alleged that, on or about May 18, 2023, Jerome Fernando had addressed a large gathering of people and made numerous statements that are derogatory of other religions, specifically of Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam.

Senior State Counsel Shaminda Wickrema appeared for the Attorney General while Jagath Wickramanayake PC appeared for petitioner Jerome Fernando. (Lakmal Sooriyagoda)


  Comments - 11

  • BuffaloaCitizen Thursday, 31 August 2023 02:50 PM

    Pastor Jerome did not make derogatory statements of other religions, he only made statements that showed he has poor knowledge of even his own religion Christianity.

    Ram Thursday, 31 August 2023 03:01 PM

    Those suspects who got money run to CA or SC to block any arrest whereas the poor gets arrested for stealing a coconut. This is the justice that I see in Sri Lanka. Courts must dispose these matters fast.

    Visaran Thursday, 31 August 2023 04:06 PM

    This is an unwanted storm in a tea cup. If you are strong in your own religion, just ignore what others say against you. GROW UP.

    Mahila Friday, 01 September 2023 04:39 AM

    “How do you have strong Faith”? When people who are supposed to ‘educate you in your faith’ are otherwise pre-occupied with extraneous matters themselves, including Business prospects – which isn’t a secret? They consider themselves ‘fortunate’ enrolled at very young age, been able to avoid Starvation due poverty, busy trying to make-up, so that their future stabilised and provided for!!!??? They pay lip-service to “Lead the Flock”, No leadership, the ‘FLOCK’ is misled easily and thus lead to Conversions too!!!??? In SL anyone so converted is due to the fault of the Religion, these vulnerable convert to and NOT the religion they ORIGINALLY BELONGED TO!!!???!!?? If, Clergy provided support faith becomes MAXIMAL, conversions well negated? Certainly, supports Strong Faith!!!???

    Sammy Thursday, 31 August 2023 05:44 PM

    Is his money power at work? BuffaloaCitizen when making public statements subordinating the leaders of other religions to his own whether ignorantly or intentionally, Jerome is insulting the sentiments of others. Why even refer to others?

    Gaston Thursday, 31 August 2023 10:23 PM

    I am a Buddhist. But let the guy be. Instead, arrest the rouges who brought the economy down, and the parliamentarians who have swindled public moneis and the smugglers.

    Roger Halliday Thursday, 31 August 2023 11:47 PM

    Hello you spoke, you said you'll be back,but you are still hiding.come on man face the music, why try to stop you from being arrested. Face the music. Going after Budhist monks is the level you have stooped to. That's referring to your parents who went to please them with an offering.

    Moral ethics Friday, 01 September 2023 10:08 AM

    No one should be above the law. Everyone, regardless of their status or position, should be subject to the same laws of the country. Money should not be used as a means of safeguarding the wrongdoers.

    Dakuneyaka Friday, 01 September 2023 10:29 AM

    Apparently this so called messenger of the Devine has NO faith in what he preaches, so he seeks the succor of the Supreme Court, ignoring the Devine he wants other people to pray to for Devine Help. What a Fraud !

    In the name of God Friday, 01 September 2023 11:17 AM

    It’s really appalling what these fake pastors do in the name of God, duping the gullible to a point of no return. The easy way for pastors to get rich. Watch the scandals of “Hillsong” on youtube.

    Atheïst Friday, 01 September 2023 11:24 AM

    Visaran: spot on! There are much more important issues.


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