AG tells CID acted in an irregular manner

19 December 2023 09:15 am - 14 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Colombo, Dec 19 (Daily Mirror) - The Attorney General informed the Court of Appeal yesterday that the CID has acted in an irregular manner when conducting investigations under Money laundering against Pastor Jerome Fernando who is accused of defaming Buddhism and other religions, despite funds amounting to Rs. 12.26 Billion lying in the accounts of Jerome Fernando and his wife.

This was revealed when a Writ application, filed by Pastor Jerome Fernando, against the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Order for his remand pending investigations into charges of violating conditions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act, taken up for hearing yesterday.

The Court of Appeal yesterday reserved its order for December 20 on the Writ application.

When the matter was taken up before Justice D. N. Samarakoon, Senior State

Counsel Shaminda Wickrema, appearing on behalf of the Attorney General, submitted that the Application should be dismissed at the outset without going into its merits.

He raised several Preliminary Objections, including:

The writ petition was filed on December 14, to be taken up on December 18, without providing for the mandatory time of at least three working days for the Respondents to prepare, and without annexing proof of delivery of documents to the Respondents as required by the Rules issued by the Court of Appeal.

He further alleged that the necessary parties are not named in the Petition, especially the Intervenient Petitioners, who were the original complainants on this case.

Senior State Counsel Wickrema emphasized to Court that the Petitioner is not a privileged suitor and the law should apply to him equally as to any other person. He pleaded Court not to allow Petitioner Jerome Fernando to desecrate the “Temple of Justice”.

Counsel Lakmini Warusawithana appearing on behalf of the Intervenient Petitioners, associating herself with the Preliminary Objections raised by the Senior State Counsel, reiterated the objections that they were not made parties, they did not receive notice about the Application until yesterday morning (18), the Petitioner was engaging in Forum Shopping and emphasized that they wished to file objections should the Court decide to proceed with the Case.

Warusawithana further reiterated that the Petitioner has suppressed material facts in the instant application, particularly with regard to the other cases filed by him which are material and relevant to the instant Application.

President’s Counsel Ronald Perera appearing on behalf of the Petitioner responding to the objections stated that there was no forum shopping, the Petitioner’s statement had not violated the ICCPR, and he did not abscond and that the Petitioner has not been charged for Money Laundering.

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Comments - 14

Utilise this money for the needy instead Tuesday, 19 December 2023 10:41 AM

Instead of having a lavish lifestyle, they could feed

I’m hungry Tuesday, 19 December 2023 12:53 PM

Today many people are suffering without food, especially children. People who genuinely love God can feed them and not amass wealth. For “ God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son”. For man who so love money and power sell God.

Gamini Tuesday, 19 December 2023 01:24 PM

12.6 Billion-HAS HE BEEN PAYING HIS TAXES OR HIDING BEHIND CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS

Ram Tuesday, 19 December 2023 02:20 PM

I am sure the CID must have been under some pressure from a powerful politician

Banana Republic justice system Tuesday, 19 December 2023 02:47 PM

See the level of our judiciary, a banana country. Whatever Bandula will see he is released before Christmas, date is purposely set for 20th.

Nail him for the fraud, but not for his preaching Tuesday, 19 December 2023 04:03 PM

CID should have filed new cases under Money Laundering, to get him for those charges, rather than trying to kill 2 birds with 1 stone. IRD should send assessment notices based on this revelations. ICCPR case - Accused has a good story if one understands what he said. Good chance he will be found not guilty

Margerat Senthupal Tuesday, 19 December 2023 04:09 PM

If Money laundering is a crime, how about many of the current and past parliamentarians? No questions will be asked as the Big Hora wants to save them all for nothing!

Roger Tuesday, 19 December 2023 04:10 PM

Now days every thing is about money not only the pastor somany other inviduls under cover law enforcement should get hold of every Tom Dick

Ahmed Ali Bango Tuesday, 19 December 2023 06:38 PM

AG... CID All corrupt to Core.

Free Justice for all Tuesday, 19 December 2023 07:30 PM

Why is the IR silent on this matter? They should fire up an investigation demanding last year's returns and explanations to income and savings ! Under special powers granted to the IR and the only creditor who do not have to substantiate their claim in details but command explain or pay the dues policy. Then it is a matter to the police where the origin of his wealth is and find others who aided and abated.

Tissa Fernando Tuesday, 19 December 2023 07:35 PM

12.26 Billions? Money from Rajapakshas?

Sambo Tuesday, 19 December 2023 08:17 PM

This has come from gold smuggling with his former partner Angel.

Prasanna Tuesday, 19 December 2023 10:17 PM

Was Rs. 12 billion channeled through his accounts over a period of time, or is Rs. 12 billion lying in his accounts. The latter is unlikely.

hoodwinker Tuesday, 19 December 2023 11:42 PM

MIRACLE in the happening! anyway he will be scot free before Christmas, and AG will get his hamper on time. Cases done in GODSPEED for once'

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AG tells CID acted in an irregular manner

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