Religious Leaders go to court seeking stern action against Pastor Jerome

18 May 2023 04:23 pm - 10 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

A group of religious leaders representing different religious faiths in the country today filed a Fundamental Rights petition in the Supreme Court seeking an order directing the IGP to immediately arrest Pastor Jerome Fernando over his hate comments against religious harmony in the country.

The petitioners are further seeking an order directing the law enforcement authorities to cause a full investigation into the financial activities of Pastor Jerome Fernando and “The Glorious Church”, in order to ascertain if any laws of Sri Lanka have been violated.

The petitioners Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thera, Ven. Bengamuwe Nalaka Thera, Ven. Angulugalle Sri Ginanada Thera, Rev. Father Nishan Cooray, Dr. Sivasui Ramachandra Kurukkal Babu Sharma and Al-Haj-As-Seyed Hassan Moulana AlQuadri filed this petition naming Pastor Jerome Fernando, IGP Chandana Wickramaratne, the Archbishop of Colombo, Mahanayaka Theros of the Malwatta Chapter of the Siam Nikaya, Amarapura Maha Nikaya, Amarapura Maha Nikaya, the All Ceylon Hindu Congress, the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama, Attorney General and several others as respondents.

The petitioners alleged that Prophet Jerome Fernando, during the course of a televised sermon at the “The Glorious Church” before a large gathering of his spiritual followers, wantonly ridiculed, insulted, demeaned, undermined and Caricaturized three out of the four major religions in Sri Lanka (Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam).

The Petitioners are of the view that there is delay in taking meaningful and adequate action for the arrest of Prophet Jerome Fernando and produce him before a Court. The Petitioners state that, on or about May 18, 2023, Jerome Fernando, addressed a large gathering of people, purportedly being a religious congregation, at which he made numerous statements that are derogatory of other religions, specifically of Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam.

The Petitioners state that, no meaningful action has still been taken by the Respondents and that, without the intervention by the Supreme Court, this heinous act of Jerome Fernando is likely to be swept under the carpet, without any redress being afforded to the citizens of this Country.

President’s Counsel Sanjeeva Jayawardana with Counsel Charitha Rupasinghe, Lakmini Warusavitane, Milhan Mohamed, Ranmali Meepagala and Rukshan Senadheera instructed by Ashoka Niwunhella are appearing for the Petitioners. (Lakmal Sooriyagoda)

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 10

Ram Thursday, 18 May 2023 04:36 PM

Going to SC is too much as SC cannot do anything in this issue. Any punishment will be according to law provided he is found guilty. Good for the lawyers who promoted action

DillonDP Thursday, 18 May 2023 10:48 PM

But whyy the supreme court is it where only the justice prevails

Nalini Chelliah Friday, 19 May 2023 03:59 AM

In Today's world people are trying to be Religious, without practicing what is want of them in their Religion. Without enmity talking to each other in kindness is the Best solution for any situation!

Nalini Chelliah Friday, 19 May 2023 03:59 AM

In Today's world people are trying to be Religious, without practicing what is want of them in their Religion. Without enmity talking to each other in kindness is the Best solution for any situation!

Sangaei Friday, 19 May 2023 04:13 AM

Latest story he is with Sanga wife

Senevirathne Friday, 19 May 2023 07:26 AM

Leave Prophet Fernando alone. He has a right to freedom of speech. He expressed his opinion. People of all faiths must learn to accept freedom of expression. Otherwise don't expect it from politicians.

DW Friday, 19 May 2023 07:28 AM

Sri Lanka is bankrupt and there are so many things authorities should be doing to get the country back on track instead, their focus is prosecuting this person. When will Sri Lankan authorities start seeing the reality.

Distraction Galore Friday, 19 May 2023 10:01 AM

These are all tricks to distract the main issues facing people in the nation. People are hungry, loss of jobs, no medicine, Old men who retired or died while in service this year are not paid a single cent to buy food. Who is doing this? The Govt. or the opposition?

neil Friday, 19 May 2023 11:28 AM

@Senevirathna There is no space for WAL BURRU's freedom of expression hurting people other faiths! @distraction Galore YES, now nobody talks about such a big amount which could have raised this county from the hellhole with $4.5 billion compensation for the EXPRESS PEARL disaster!!

Rashantha N de Alwis-Seneviratne Friday, 19 May 2023 06:18 PM

It is very good move to show joint displeasure and good to know that Sanjeewa Jayawardana is the Prosecutor. All the best!

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Religious Leaders go to court seeking stern action against Pastor Jerome

Comments - 10

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Most Viewed in News

VFS Global is here to stay for at least 12 years, says Tiran

Not only on-arrival visas but online visas too should be stopped

Foreigner injured after falling from Lotus tower

Sri Lanka to overhaul visa issuance process

Supreme Court rules Diana Gamage ineligible for parliamentary seat

Racism, body-shaming fly high with Air Belgium crew against SriLankan staff

MIRROR CRICKET

Nisala steers Sri Lanka ‘A’ to easy win

Athapaththu climbs T20I rankings after stellar performance

Shanto to lead Bangladesh’s squad for T20 World Cup

Wanuja helps Sri Lanka ‘A’ to come out on top

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Philanthropist Nahil Wijesuriya donates Rs. 270Mn for construction of Bishop’s College New A-Level and O-Level building

Temperatures to drop as monsoon arrives: Met. Dept

Facebook party raided inside Knuckles Reserve, over 20 arrested

I hear that MPs’ vehicle permits have been approved: Chandima

Nisala steers Sri Lanka ‘A’ to easy win

Athapaththu climbs T20I rankings after stellar performance

Shanto to lead Bangladesh’s squad for T20 World Cup

Wellalage inclusion hints Three-Spin Attack in World Cup