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Last Updated : 2024-05-19 23:42:00
15 May 2023 10:19 am - 56 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
● Pastor’s comments went viral on social media
● Video on social media creates uproar among majority Buddhists
In the wake of Pastor Jerome Fernando making derogatory remarks on Buddhism and the Buddha, Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Vidura Wickramanayake said no room would be left for anyone to insult any religion and stern action would be taken against such individuals.
Over the weekend, a video showing Jerome preaching against Lord Buddha and Buddhism made its rounds on social media, creating an uproar amongst the majority of Buddhists, who demanded immediate action against the self-proclaimed Prophet for his derogatory remarks.
Some social media users even went to the extent of calling Jerome a self-proclaimed fake and demanded an apology for insulting Buddhism, while some others called for his arrest, claiming he was attempting to cause religious disharmony in the country.
In his video, Jerome claimed that in a Buddhist’s mind, they never hear the love of Buddha as their focus is enlightenment.
"But to be enlightened you need light. The name Buddha itself means enlightened one. So what is greater, light or enlightenment? Jesus said I am the light of the world. So I tell you now, Jesus didn’t say I am the enlightened one. No, Jesus came from a different wavelength. Jesus said I am the light. So I submit to you, the Buddha was looking for light. Buddha was actually looking for Jesus. This is why every Buddhist needs Jesus,” Jerome preached in his prayer to a packed audience.
Asked for a comment in this regard, Minister Vidura said there are a number of unlawful places of religious worship, including the one in which the self-proclaimed Prophet Jerome had made such inflammatory remarks.
“We will initiate a dialogue with the establishments of all the major religions of this country for proper registration of the places of religious worship. We won’t allow unlawful centres to operate under the guise of places of religious worship,” he said.
When asked whether action would be taken against Jerome, the Minister said he would announce his decision in this regard soon.
Meanwhile, the police said they would act if a complaint was lodged against Jerome Fernando. (KELUM BANDARA)
Dee Monday, 15 May 2023 10:29 AM
What Pastor? He claims he’s a ‘Prophet’ (a puppet more likely) . I won’t blame him (like our people blaming the politicians) . He’s just in for the cash! Total blame should be on his uneducated ‘followers’
eresh S kumara Monday, 15 May 2023 05:01 PM
Well said
Hilmy Ahamed Monday, 15 May 2023 10:34 AM
The minister seems to have a very short memory. He forgets that Gnanasara Thero insulted the Muslims by saying Allahge labbha etc. despite many protests and complaints no inquiry or arrests were made. The minister was also part of the then racist govt. of the Rajapaksas
Jerome Jaycob Monday, 15 May 2023 10:49 AM
Firstly who appointed you a prophet? Are you a qualified priest? Have you been to any theological college? My guess is you are a self proclaimed puppet, sorry prophet. The masses being asses blindly follow you giving all they have for a better to morrow. Sadly your tomorrow has been getting better and the dumb ass followers day's are getting bitter. There is a clown like you in this nick of the woods too who calls himself Bishop. I am no prophet although I share your name and I can prophecise that your days are numbered Ole chap.
lester Monday, 15 May 2023 10:50 AM
Western religions are menace to this country. It was western religions that killed thousands in this country when spreading their religion. All eastern religions came here peacefully including Islam. Even LTTE leader followed a western religion.
Man Monday, 15 May 2023 10:55 AM
It is fair to criticize, if there is any flaw as believed. It is democracy all about. But, it is not fully implemented, if there is no live public debate to iron out for ever, like the Panadura wadaya in 1884 or so that brought Lt. Cl. Henry Steel Olcott, Marie Hengis Museuas and many more and accepted Buddhism. History can be repeated, indeed. Kudos!
kosala kaviratne Monday, 15 May 2023 11:02 AM
Time to bring act preventing Unethical conversaions
BuffaloaCitizen Monday, 15 May 2023 11:17 AM
Issue is what is your definition of "unethical"? The person who converts is an adult and has belief in religion for material benefits, thus will change towards any side that makes a benefit to his/her life. End result can be labelled "miracle" or "answer to my prayers" in blind justification.
L Jaya Monday, 15 May 2023 11:03 AM
This could be an orchestrated event by the government to divert attention from critical issues. People have seen these dramas enough.
NEEL GAMAGE Monday, 15 May 2023 11:19 AM
Yes, I do agree with you, sure this news will be good enough to our majority Buddhists to turn to big issue. On the other hand this pastor has no any identical rights best thing is ignore him,who ever believe him also for the very limited time after that his name will be fad away. At the every possible way government and sources try to get advantage.
Lion Monday, 15 May 2023 11:12 AM
This is very bad ,if possible Rev Malcom Ranjith Peris must issue a statement condemning this . We had enough troubles due to criticizing religious belief of different communities. Nip this from the bud before it is too late
SC Monday, 15 May 2023 11:48 AM
Reverend Malcolm Ranjith Peris has no power or jurisdiction over Jerome Fernando. Like someone mentioned above, best is to leave him alone together with his followers and focus on the way forward as a nation.
jothika r Monday, 15 May 2023 11:48 AM
oh how the tables have turned, by the way what happed to honerable venarable untouchable unavailable gnanasara?
Mohamed Ifaz Inamdeen Monday, 15 May 2023 05:44 PM
Absolutely. This so-called minister has short memory. He turned a blind eye to the carnage instigated by Ganasara thero and his appalling remarks about Islam.
Rob Monday, 15 May 2023 11:55 AM
If that is what he said, he has no idea about the teachings of the buddha. The buddha taught one thing - the way to end of suffering for all beings, be they buddhist, christian, islamic or whatever religeon. He showed a practical, systemic method of mental training to bring the mind in this life itself to see through all delusions which are the basis of suffering. no wonder many intelligent westerners are taking up buddhism. The era of blind faith is gradually ending in the west...hence conversions by offering material stuff to poor unintelligent poeple takes place in poor countries by missionaries...they want numbers because they are insecure about there religeon..
Mohamed Ifaz Inamdeen Monday, 15 May 2023 05:48 PM
Explore the Al-Quran and Islam. If Allah wills, you'll find the truth and the path to victory here and hereafter. That's what, Islam is the fastest growing religion in the western world and many educated western people embracing Islam after researching.
Christian Monday, 15 May 2023 12:08 PM
I am a Christian but I take immense offense that a self proclaimed prophet with no formal ordination other than for his ego saying so, can criticize other religions at will. The Bible tells us to respect other religions first, so who is this man who distorts the Bible to promote himself. On behalf of all the Christians I apologize for the reckless and irresponsible statements this so called prophet is making.
Ram Monday, 15 May 2023 12:20 PM
I listened to him. He must be charged in a court of law and punished. Any apology must be before his church congregation in a similar presentation running for the same length of time, that too can go viral. What he said was to instigate religious harmony
MirakRajBanda Monday, 15 May 2023 12:25 PM
Ohh seriously Minister.... You're going to take stern actions? Then you should start with Gnanasara, Warakagoda and Ampitiya, the so called theros!!!!!!
Volker Metzger Monday, 15 May 2023 12:40 PM
This Mr. Fernando already demonstrates his complete ignorance of Buddhism in his short statement! What Rob says about it hits the nail on the head! You don't have to add anything to your explanations! Otherwise, Fernando's remarks are the usual gibberish of such "missionaries"! No forum should be offered to them and their fanaticism, which has already wreaked enough havoc in the world!
HM Nirmal Herath Monday, 15 May 2023 12:42 PM
Minister stop pep talk.Take immediate actions.If happened in other countries he would have been killed for blasphemy. We are not Arahats to put a blind eye to these. They are taking Buddhists for granted. Imprison him for sometime with whatever law you have or make new laws for that immediately.
Asanga Monday, 15 May 2023 12:43 PM
The Pastor is just expressing his ideas. As Buddhists, we should have the kind of mindset to see it for what it is and to move on. Reacting to it with anger shows immaturity and is contrary to what Buddha would have advised us to do were he here.
Anthony. R Monday, 15 May 2023 12:43 PM
This cheat, dressing the masses as Cattle in the name of Religion,which he has made his livelihood. No one should be allowed to criticise any Religion, and this sort of religious racism should be stopped.
Ratnam Samuel Monday, 15 May 2023 01:07 PM
Edited videos are shared through social media and then they become viral videos. Politicians for their survival they create these kind of things to divert people minds. We people then act like fools. So we should be very very careful especially when politicians make comments
Volker Metzger Monday, 15 May 2023 01:21 PM
This Mr. Fernando already demonstrates his complete ignorance of Buddhism in his short statement! What Rob says about it hits the nail on the head! You don't have to add anything to your explanations! Except, the philosophy of Buddhism is so profound, sophisticated and complicated that it doesn't fit into the simple structured mind of a "missionary" !!! Otherwise, Fernando's remarks are the usual gibberish of such "missionaries"! No forum should be offered to them and their fanaticism, which has already wreaked enough havoc in the world!
Punchi Monday, 15 May 2023 01:31 PM
The great leader of our best buddy country Mao said that religion is the opiate of man. Our prayers to Allah, Buddha, Jesus, Shiva and a pantheon of deities has not alleviated our hardships. The IMF has done somewhat. Maybe like the island in Vanuvattu that worshipped prince Philip - cargo cult we should worship the IMF for immediate benefits
jay Monday, 15 May 2023 02:31 PM
What has His Emminence CArdinal has to do with this puppet. Jerome has a separate cult I think Born again with Christ, something
Anton Weerasinghe Monday, 15 May 2023 02:33 PM
what does this uneducated idiot knows about Buddisam. This idiot is fooling uneducated people and minting money by selling God and Jesus.
Dinesh Monday, 15 May 2023 02:36 PM
to be enlightened you don't need light, you need wisdom. That shows the lack of wisdom of the self-proclaimed Prophet...
Nish Monday, 15 May 2023 02:38 PM
Beware guys , Rajapaksa and Co clearly executing another master plan as the election around the corner. They did in the past to come to power in 2019. they cant stand compete with Economic solution , the only shield for them is race and religious
Sivalingam Monday, 15 May 2023 02:48 PM
SL people ready to believe anything, remember Dummika Peniya ? Jerome is a con artist, TAX audit Jerome's church and members.
A Monday, 15 May 2023 02:52 PM
By reacting you are making his statement correct. I don't c any issue. We have other things to focus. Money that has been robbed by Ministers is bigger than this. Buddhists behave in the most degrading manners and insult lord Buddha in Sri Lanka. Bit makes major issue of small things .
Kandy Tuesday, 16 May 2023 12:06 PM
Very Well said. "Let the one who has no sin cast the first stone"quoted from the Holy Scripture. Amen.
B.B. Basanayake (attorney-at-law) Monday, 15 May 2023 03:37 PM
To divert the direction of the masses, Ranil
Shera Monday, 15 May 2023 03:38 PM
The Buddha forbid anyone worshipping him yet people made him a god. This country's Buddhists are persecuting other religions and anyone who says anything about a temple. Why the insecurity? People lived in religious harmony for centuries until recently. This church is helping thousands every day, bringing tourism to the nation and taking Sri Lanka to the world. If Prophet Jerome is not a true prophet of Almighty God then let God Himself prove it. Let's see if the church will not stand against this persecution.
Sachith Monday, 15 May 2023 03:39 PM
This is yet another example for "How to become famous in Siri Lanka"...
H.K.M. Hanifa Monday, 15 May 2023 03:43 PM
Minister should not interfere with religious preachings, it is not his business.
Sisil Sudesh Monday, 15 May 2023 03:47 PM
Did he say anything more? Or only what is quoted here in the DM? If only that, I fail to see there is anything to take umbrage. (I am a Buddhist, let me assure you.) It was his belief and let him profess it. It is his right. If anyone is so blind to follow him, that is to be pitied, but let them. There is nothing to be agitated about. That is assuming that DM did not leave out much more insulting or vituperative remarks.
Tissa Fernando Monday, 15 May 2023 04:28 PM
Now you see clearly what Aragalaya really wanted in the country.
Susie Wicks Monday, 15 May 2023 04:29 PM
This man is a fake and it is hard to believe that there are so many gullible people fawning over him. What garbage comes out of his mouth! Anyway we know what happens to these type of charlatans using religion - in this case cult - for their personal gain: they are hoist by their own petard.
Hawk Eue Monday, 15 May 2023 05:06 PM
All Buddhist and Christians fighting forgetting what their teacher taught them
Citizen Tuesday, 16 May 2023 12:04 PM
Remember, that an election is round the corner!
Aram Monday, 15 May 2023 06:41 PM
The fact is true that most Sinhalese do not follow Buddhism. But show colours and haraass other religion in this country Now govt and it's stooges are installing Buddha statues in north and east everywhere by force using military and police. But sinhala people are not living there
Sammy Tuesday, 16 May 2023 08:42 AM
This guy has nothing to do with mainstream Christianity. He has created a cult around himself using Christianity, all for money.
Sammy Tuesday, 16 May 2023 08:48 AM
@Mohamed Ifaz Inamdeen Yours is another bigoted comment. Islam is perceived to be the fastest growing religion because of fastest breeders. It also has fastest amount of deserters and ex-Muslims. What about contributing to fastest growing terrorist groups? You are being no better than this so called prophet.
Ryan De Saram Tuesday, 16 May 2023 09:52 AM
Uttering words with the intent to wound the religious feelings of any other person is punishable by imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year (Article 121). Pastor Jerome must be punished by the Law.
Lucky Luke Tuesday, 16 May 2023 09:55 AM
Gas is freely available and so is fuel, also power cuts are non existent and cost of living is reducing daily, so there is nothing to fight about as even the Aragalayas are being throttled. So we Sri Lankans have to find something to fight about. Let the blind lead the blind and those that can see, see and blind Jerome lead his blind followers into cess pits
Lucky Luke Tuesday, 16 May 2023 09:55 AM
Gas is freely available and so is fuel, also power cuts are non existent and cost of living is reducing daily, so there is nothing to fight about as even the Aragalayas are being throttled. So we Sri Lankans have to find something to fight about. Let the blind lead the blind and those that can see, see and blind Jerome lead his blind followers into cess pits
Truth will set you free Tuesday, 16 May 2023 10:21 AM
Missionaries came to these countries to educate us. Established schools, there are Buddhist, Hindus and Muslims being educated in them. They brought light to our minds that were dark inside. Christians shine all over the world. As light shines in darkness
Sue Kirthisinghe Tuesday, 16 May 2023 10:42 AM
A true Catholic or true Buddhist will never follow or listen to this fake prophet Jerome. Its only those with no real beliefs go behind this man under the impression that he is a prophet of Jesus Christ. That itself is blasphemy. Read this chapter from the Bible ".....“Then if any man shall say to you, See, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; so that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect” (Matthew 24:23–24).
Kandy Tuesday, 16 May 2023 12:02 PM
The problem is not with Jerome or his followers. Its the oppressed
Wiraj Tuesday, 16 May 2023 04:03 PM
LTTE leader was a Hindu. But he said in an Interview with Anita Pratab in 1984 ( Sunday Magazine) that if JR is a true Buddhist, he won't be carrying a gun.
Sam Gamage Tuesday, 16 May 2023 07:46 PM
the people and the blind followers should know that this joker is one of the Sunday preachers who delivers a lecture to the gullible congregation like in US. There they live a luxury life even owning their private jets and yatchs. There they have been prosecuted but here the authorities will not do anything because the wife of a prominent political leader is a hardcore believer of this cult. At the same time members of this cult are inside the parliament as lawmakers sitting in the chamber. Stern action should be taken to investigate this den of thieves.
Old men of relgion afraid of the new generation Wednesday, 17 May 2023 08:19 AM
Too many older people of Ranil's age cling to outdated ideas. Ranil probably thinks King Charles is suitable King for Sri Lanka even. Modern youth do not follow the outdated religious norms of people who sent our nation to bankruptcy. I expect Pastor Jerome will get more followers from religions which don't anymore provide uplifting spiritual guidance to our society.
Mahinda Panapitiya Wednesday, 17 May 2023 09:42 AM
The main objective of the Buddha was to disseminate a new Vision to mankind by training their mind using a Meditation method called Vipassana. That new Vision has no patent right like Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Communism, etc. Even Buddha has no patent rights. That Vision was named "Nibbana" in Buddhist Terminology. When that word is translated into English, the word "En-Light-enment has been used. That does not mean it is a kind of light having a wavelength focus on people. Note that this Vision appears for mankind and remains for some time and vanishes from earth after some time. We are now living in such era called Buddha Sasana thanks to a Buddha borne about 2600 years back. It vanishes eventually The main reason for vanishing that noble vision is this type of misinterpretation done by self-appointed interpreters.
Truth is relief Friday, 19 May 2023 12:52 PM
Why Was Buddha Depressed This is A forward. Think about it. In the midst of his teachings of renouncing all worldly pleasure, relationships and sensual pleasure, lies a tormented nihilist who believed that the whole human existence was a mistake. Dark realities of life that not everyone goes through are described as “GENERAL TRUTHS” by Buddha, despite the fact that a majority of people live a very fulfilling and happy life with a group of close friends, loving family, well paying jobs and overall healthy self image. It is only a small minority of the mentally ill, that find it tough to face the everyday burden of existence. The proof ? In a world of clear-cut duality, all he could see was Suffering. Since a child, all he wanted to know “Why is there so much suffering in the world”. YET, there was another direction he could’ve looked as well. The one that goes something like this, “ I see trees of green, red roses too. I see them bloom, for me and you.
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