Insulting the Buddha - RW asks CID to probe Pastor Jerome Fernando

15 May 2023 05:10 pm - 73 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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President Ranil Wickremesinghe has informed the CID Director to commence an immediate investigation against Pastor Jerome Fernando's controversial statements where he insulted the Buddha in front of a packed congregation recently and said even the Buddha needed Jesus.

In a national security council meeting held on Monday morning, the National Security Head raised concerns with the President over the Pastor's critical remarks against Buddhismm, Islam and Hinduism and said this could lead to communal tensions in the country.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that he would not allow any individual to destabilize the country and said anyone instigating religious disharmony should be probed and stern action should be taken.

Wickremesinghe then advised the senior security heads to probe into Jerome's controversial statements against the religions as well as his past preachings. The National Security Head immediately handed over the investigation to the CID Head and asked for a team to commence an extensive probe against Pastor Jerome Fernando.

The Daily Mirror reported on Monday that Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Vidura Wickramanayake came out strongly against Jerome's comments insulting the Buddha and said there would be no room for anyone to insult any religion and stern action would be taken against such individuals.

Minister Vidura also said there are a number of unlawful places of religious worship, including the one in which Pastor Jerome had made such inflammatory remarks.

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 Pastor for his derogatory remarks.

In his video, Jerome claimed that in a Buddhist’s mind, they never hear the love of Buddha as their focus is enlightenment and said that every Buddhist needs Jesus.

In the same sermon, Fernando also insulted Islam and Hinduism. In his sermons against Islam, Jerome said that Muslims cannot even call Allah as 'Father'.

"You have 99 names for God in Islam. And yet love is not one of those," Jerome said.

In his sermons insulting Hinduism, Jerome questioned the reasons why Hindus venerate so many animals. "Why do they have a God that looks like an elephant? Why do they have Gods that have 10,000 hands? They are not far from the truth. Why do they venerate cows? They are very close but they are still far away. Someone needs to go and tell the Hindu people that what they are doing may be true to them but there is a deeper truth," Jerome said.

Jerome Fernando has hit the headlines in recent months against his controversial preachings and many have questioned his source of funding to host such large religious congregations where he is seen preaching against other religions. (JAMILA HUSAIN)

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Comments - 73

Labby Monday, 15 May 2023 05:38 PM

That congregation was not Catholic. This is some denomination with a few followers which the Catholic Church does not even recognize.

Love Sri Lanka Monday, 15 May 2023 05:43 PM

Why when election is nearing all these issues come up ..Ranil wants to fool Sinhalese people more and more ...is it not enough they have been fooling people since 1948?.see what happened in Karnataka in India ..BJP has been using racism and religion to win election but people taught them a lesson ..Love and affection won over hatred in India ...I think people will.do.same thing in Sri Lanka too..these politicians use religion or language or ethnicity as tool to win election but people should know this well .

Mohamed Ifaz Inamdeen Monday, 15 May 2023 05:57 PM

Absolutely. Charismatic leader Rahul Ghandi has nailed it and delivered a body blow to superstition-filled Bjp in Karnataka.

Mizaru Monday, 15 May 2023 05:53 PM

Where was Ranil when the Ester bombing occurred. This just an election gimmick.

Sam Silva Monday, 15 May 2023 11:17 PM

Very good point. When so many got killed during his watch nothing has be solved. But for some petty matter he wants to investigate. Very disappointing.

Iwazaru Monday, 15 May 2023 05:55 PM

The people who follow the Buddhist philosophy do not get excited by these statements. It is just Ranil who has no public mandate or backing doing to cover main issues with a veil.

Neelbansu Tuesday, 16 May 2023 11:23 AM

Yes,correct Ranil who try to keep his post doing all those propaganda, if he his realy respect the people of this he never postpone the LG poll. Core part of the Buddhist region is exactly opposite from those actions just try to panic the majority of Srilanka. Please ignore his attempt.

lankaputha Tuesday, 16 May 2023 12:56 PM

Recalls the Song sung by Nanda Malani Budhu Himiyantath Kali Yugaye, Deviyange Pihitayi, Budhuntath Deviyange Saranayi

Sandra, church of Ceylon Monday, 15 May 2023 06:05 PM

Labby: they also are not Protestants. The Protestant church rejects money making like this pastor even more than Catholics.

European Monday, 15 May 2023 06:12 PM

Buddhism is mostly a fashion item in the West. They even have pictures of Buddha on dustbins here. So now you don't want our financial help anymore I guess?

Asanka Monday, 15 May 2023 06:35 PM

Ranil, we need actions

Sivakumar, Jaffna Hindu Tamil Monday, 15 May 2023 06:37 PM

Whether the practice of Christianity in Sri Lanka is officially sanctioned or individually led, the fact is it is an alien religion that came to our country with bayonets, guns and sexually frustrated white soldiers who have been travelling in the seas for months.

kumar Monday, 15 May 2023 06:38 PM

Lord Buddha and Buddhism are hijacked identities of Sinhalese. They couldn't create their own religion therefore destroying the great philosopher's teachings and religion for their own benefit. Pathetic!

A Monday, 15 May 2023 07:21 PM

Plotical Work in Action. If true a Buddhist why should u get up set. He brings so many people to the country foregn exchange . People who come have the freedom to choose their faith come for prayers . Is Buddhism a dectrorship . Easter bomb is forgotten biggest issue is this.

Christian Monday, 15 May 2023 07:22 PM

On behalf of the Christian community we ask for forgiveness for the words this man has so irresponsibly spoken about other religions. It’s not permitted in Christianity to ridicule other religions.

Ranjith Monday, 15 May 2023 07:27 PM

This time political agenda of Ranil will not work

Ranjith Monday, 15 May 2023 07:30 PM

Ranil your gymics is outdated your party is very unpopular among Sinhala Buddhist you cannot fool the Buddhist working with money laundering Jerome and the Zimbabwean boss of Jerome

Ranjith Monday, 15 May 2023 07:52 PM

Eye wash by Ranil nothing will come out out of this investigation whole srilankan's know Lord Buddha and Buddhist all over the world has been insulted and humiliated by this so called prophet.

maha Monday, 15 May 2023 07:58 PM

trying to create inter communal conflict.

Ceylonese Monday, 15 May 2023 08:05 PM

No matter what religion you're, there is partial light in you and the remaining in your opposite sex, by mixing together you get enlightened. Part of heaven is on earth, people go berserk when they fail to find the light in opposite sex.

Sivalingam Monday, 15 May 2023 08:10 PM

Tax audit pastor Jerom and the members of his dome. Jerom is like Kaputa collecting 10% of the income of members.

Sri Wickrema Monday, 15 May 2023 08:22 PM

Who cares what Jerome said ? Only bankrupt politicians?

Chamara Monday, 15 May 2023 09:09 PM

Drama starts again. Guys I commented once I will fly away from this country. I'm in Canada now. I'm glad that I'm away from these dramas. However I love Sri Lanka and majority of people.

Dee Monday, 15 May 2023 09:52 PM

Ploy to postpone the elections! (Sarcasm aimed at the usual comments)

Ranil Monday, 15 May 2023 10:13 PM

Does freedom of speech and the carte blanch state sponsorship to terrorize others apply only to the Abbasaranan clergy of thugs?

Elephant n cows Monday, 15 May 2023 10:50 PM

How can a hypocrite Preach about Islam. But ganasara thero can insult any faith since he is a Buddhist monk . Complicated laws of the world

V Balakrishnan Monday, 15 May 2023 10:51 PM

@ love Sri Lanka Ranil wants to fool Sinhalese people more and more ........................... Not only Ranil bro , but even medias like DM also fools sinhala people Headline - Insulting Budha-----( side lining other religions ) Inside story --- Pastor's critical remarks against Buddhismm, Islam and Hinduism ---------- what a Buddhist patriotism of DM. I am 100% certain it wont be published

Ganesh Tuesday, 16 May 2023 01:21 AM

What about that Rabid Saffron Glad monk thug called Gnanasara? Didn’t he have insult Islam and go against the very preaching of the Buddha

Reformist Tuesday, 16 May 2023 01:32 AM

Is this the best way to use Police resources? Doesn't CID has millions of other worthwhile cases to investigate, like fraud, corruption, murder, stealing gvt money etc. How many of these have been successfully investigated by this CID? SL people are blinded by religion and they waste their time, money and everything for religious beliefs and superstitions. If religion could save the country, wouldn't that have happened by now?

ROSH Tuesday, 16 May 2023 02:44 AM

Unelected president is trying to create tension between religious groups. The common folks needs to be careful of unelected master debater is trying to get third class popularity

Shera Tuesday, 16 May 2023 02:48 AM

Everyone calm down and meditate till you are at peace like your religions teach. These are just non-issue, distractions in the grand scheme of things. You all have bigger problems in the country. Don't get carried away.

Ama Tuesday, 16 May 2023 02:52 AM

Dear President, there are MANY MANY issues that needs your prompt action. One such issue is ELIMINATING CORRUPTION. Are you ready for it?

Ex Muslim Tuesday, 16 May 2023 02:57 AM

Wadood is one of the names of Allah which means The Most Loving. - Ex Muslim

Raymon Tuesday, 16 May 2023 03:00 AM

I agree no one should insult another religion. What about Buddhist Monks disregard and destroying Hindu Temples .. Why not apply the same principal and safe guard the temples as well

Ranjit Wijesinha Tuesday, 16 May 2023 04:09 AM

This pastor doesnt know the true teachings of Jesus. Does he know Jesus travelled to India and learnt the ancient teachings in many Buddhist monastries? Christianity came to Sri Lanka from England,Not from the Middle East where Jesus was born.

Lumbini Tuesday, 16 May 2023 05:35 AM

Just a political game.

Punchi Tuesday, 16 May 2023 05:45 AM

Several thousands of people from Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu countries are dying on the land and in the sea trying to get into and live in Christian, and what they call Kuffar infidel disbeliever crusader countries. This must indicate that some ways of life are superior to others which are incapable or unwilling to create just societies We don’t see any movement from Christian countries to countries where other religions dominate

ss Tuesday, 16 May 2023 06:40 AM

Now people won't believe this stuff.

Sri Lankan Tuesday, 16 May 2023 07:39 AM

All Religions and religious places of worship should be registered under the Ministry Religious affairs. Of recent times people have been starting their own churches, collecting funds etc, It has become more of a business hoodwinking the citizens. Under whose supervision do they come? Who are their church leaders?

Jobless rabble rousers Tuesday, 16 May 2023 07:53 AM

Iwazaru! Why can't this be a gimmick of defeated former rulers? There are heaps of them without jobs, unlimited income and power in garbage cans! Do you think they will be happy in their powerless state? We see their occasional outburst on stage with less than 100 in audience! They also have experience of using cheap gimmicks to arouse these hatred filled speeches. Don't forget Easter bombs, or Wandha Kottu amd Wandha Junghis and we still believe them!

S Perera Tuesday, 16 May 2023 08:03 AM

You don't need to insult others to prove you are right. This shows how insecure Jerome is in his own beliefs. He is using religion to make money . The government should probe his sources of funding and how he amassed wealth.

Sri Lankan Tuesday, 16 May 2023 08:05 AM

@Love Sri Lanka and Mohamad Ifaz Inamdeen: Sri Lanka and India are not the same. So please don't apply that here.

gamarala Tuesday, 16 May 2023 08:07 AM

Buddhist should have patience to withhold any criticism as Lord Buddha himself faced many with great patience

Leo Tuesday, 16 May 2023 08:13 AM

We want the CID to probe as to why RW is protecting the Rajapakses who robbed the country dry.

Sammy Tuesday, 16 May 2023 08:31 AM

This guy Jerome should be told that he is the one deluded and gaslighting others.

Sammy Tuesday, 16 May 2023 08:36 AM

@Mohamed Ifaz Inamdeen what is charismatic about Rahul Gandhi. He has lost many and the victory in Karnataka was not due to him. There is nothing superstitious in BJP and India has made great strides under their governance and contained terrorism which was rampant previously. See the mess in Pakistan.

Vernon Tuesday, 16 May 2023 08:38 AM

This so-called pastor is an imposter, hoodwinking the elite around Colombo. Christians who really understand Christianity will not follow these imposters.

joshua Tuesday, 16 May 2023 08:43 AM

what were all these people doing when ganasara was running riot against the Muslims, when Hindu temples and monuments were being destroyed in North and East, When Easter Bombing took place even with prior info? This President is trying to garner votes of the gullible Sinhalese by arousing communal tensions. What Jerome has said is his version of Religion. That does not mean it is the view of all Christians. President himself was a Christian who converted to Buddhism for political purpose and greediness. Now he is following the footsteps of Rajapakshe mania

Terrence K Tuesday, 16 May 2023 08:51 AM

What was the outcome of the Easter Sunday Bombing it was total disaster for this country and still continuing. We have to be careful with the living God and his anointed as the Bible very clearly says that anyone who touches his anointed ones will have to face the consequences as the saying goes "Fools Rush in where Angels Fear to Tread" In the recent past many people have tried to fool around with the Lord Jesus by taking his name in vain giving a brand name Jesus Christ and now all could see the downfall of that organization. Similarly anyone who does not have a "Sin can cast the First Stone" by making allegations on all anointed ones to crucify them but it will not materialize since the Lord Jesus protects them, the only one who paid the penalty for all Mankind by being CRUCIFIED and now comes JUDGEMENT.

"where ignorance is bliss, 'Tis folly to be wise." Tuesday, 16 May 2023 09:09 AM

There are NO 99 names of "GOD" in Islam - Dear Pastor - there are 99 attributes to "GOD" To quote the last lines of Thomas Gray's 1742 poem, 'Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College; = " where ignorance is bliss, 'Tis folly to be wise."

Rodney Tuesday, 16 May 2023 10:35 AM

You simply can't make any kind of bad remarks or statements against relegents the real problem is the law no one respect the law all inviduals Inc people from various relegents majority do things to benefit them self if government make tough decision in order to prosecute all offenders in order will stop lot of unwanted activities whithing all relegents the guid lines must be implemented accordingly with relegents background and views personal statements shouldn't allow to brain wash any inviduals with views that suits most of this preches government need to put a stop for any inviduals practicing relegents without approval from government and relegent superiors that been practicing for 1000 of year's money making practices should be stop compulsory

Rodney Tuesday, 16 May 2023 10:35 AM

You simply can't make any kind of bad remarks or statements against relegents the real problem is the law no one respect the law all inviduals Inc people from various relegents majority do things to benefit them self if government make tough decision in order to prosecute all offenders in order will stop lot of unwanted activities whithing all relegents the guid lines must be implemented accordingly with relegents background and views personal statements shouldn't allow to brain wash any inviduals with views that suits most of this preches government need to put a stop for any inviduals practicing relegents without approval from government and relegent superiors that been practicing for 1000 of year's money making practices should be stop compulsory

Rodney Tuesday, 16 May 2023 10:35 AM

You simply can't make any kind of bad remarks or statements against relegents the real problem is the law no one respect the law all inviduals Inc people from various relegents majority do things to benefit them self if government make tough decision in order to prosecute all offenders in order will stop lot of unwanted activities whithing all relegents the guid lines must be implemented accordingly with relegents background and views personal statements shouldn't allow to brain wash any inviduals with views that suits most of this preches government need to put a stop for any inviduals practicing relegents without approval from government and relegent superiors that been practicing for 1000 of year's money making practices should be stop compulsory

Kushan Peiris Tuesday, 16 May 2023 11:22 AM

whats happening to the politicians in the country .-no sound. except RW and Vidura W. where's Sajith Premadasa . so called Buddhist opposition leader. Reg sepala amarasighes dirty case we didn't hear any thin from Anura kumara or Sajith Premadasa. Even Sajith Premadasa kept silent letting Kiriella do the dirty work. shame on you guys . they only want votes and come to power ..they don't care what happen to the religion or the country .bloody corrupt politicos .

Mohamed Hazik Marikkar Tuesday, 16 May 2023 11:32 AM

This is another development of Ranil's fox brain. This move is aimed at Sinhala Muslim votes. However, this pastor pretends to be a genius who knows all religions. He also talks about Allah. He says that there is no place for love in the 99 names of Allah. He tends to confuse Muslims by hiding the basic fact that the first two names of Allah are centered on love. This reactionism must be rejected outright.

Poochie Baba Tuesday, 16 May 2023 11:59 AM

@Sivakumar, Jaffna Hindu...what do you think...All religions came by boat..do you think the Veddahs were Buddhists or Hindus!!!!!

Nadaal Tuesday, 16 May 2023 12:06 PM

It is best v refrain from arousing inflammatory sentiments of different faiths and races with communal and religious statements about other religions n races. Must put in place strict rules and implement those to the letter. Like in Singapore

pradeep Tuesday, 16 May 2023 12:14 PM

Preparing ground work for next election, don't be misled by these dramas

European Buddhist Tuesday, 16 May 2023 12:48 PM

If such comments are made in some peace loving countries he is lynched

Punchi Tuesday, 16 May 2023 12:58 PM

According to our mythology, the great king of Lanka Ravana whose daughter was Sita was a worshipper of Lord Shiva. That’s why there is a Hindu temple at Sitas abode where she was housed after being rescued by her father Ravana from a domestic violence situation.

N.M. Perera Tuesday, 16 May 2023 01:23 PM

The Power that comes in the Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ, no Man can take away. Divine Healing in his Name is so real and will always be.

Cherath Tuesday, 16 May 2023 01:31 PM

Buddhism is a way of life. Anyone can follow or abstain from same. Over centuries Buddhism has withstood torrents of abuse, insults, destruction of monuments by religious groups who saw it reasonable to attack, vandalise and even kill Buddhists. Portuguese, Dutch and English did them here. Some fanatical muslims even chopped off the holy tree at Buddhagaya. All this only strengthened the resolve of Buddhists. For, Buddhism doesn't force by implication or directly for anyone to follow same. "Ehi Passiko- come and see for yourself and decide on your own". In this case ignorance was the main cause of stupidity. Further, the government will bake this incident at full throttle to divert people's hatred toward the government.

johan Tuesday, 16 May 2023 01:43 PM

Any body can speak against anything or anyone within his building or among his congregation.It is not anyone's business to go there and get audio clips of him.If it is in a public meeting or public place then this could be condemned

Ranjith Tuesday, 16 May 2023 03:45 PM

Johan can you do this in any muslim country or in any Christian country time to come we will stop this idiot talking nonsense we have protected srilanka as a Buddhist country for 2500 years and we will do it for next 2500 years, this idiot can have day dreams with his I'll gotten black money converting Buddhist

sss Tuesday, 16 May 2023 02:58 PM

wow Buddhism is Sri lanka (which is mostly ritual) is becoming like religions in the Middleast

Tissa Fernando Tuesday, 16 May 2023 03:53 PM

Critisize the Islamic prophet and they will pass fatwa death penalty to the guy. Just try and see what happens. The religion is for many people is their soul although many do not live by the religion rules. So any statement insulting any religion hurt people and bring up hatrage against those who follow the religion of the person making such statement. Therefore such statements against any religion should not be allowed and should not go unpunished. All religions advocate peaceful cohabitation between humans. Religion doest not get hurt but people get hurt.

Dr Jayantha PhD Tuesday, 16 May 2023 04:09 PM

@ Poochi Baba, As you have no points to counter what Dr Sivakumar has powerfully phrased about the very factual “ ghastly arrival of the Christian religion in our shores”, that you have to travel back to more than five thousand years to invoke the Veddahs who are in reality not part of any modern day debates or discussions but a pre-historical tribe that still lives in the jungles of Sri Lanka.

N V Jen Tuesday, 16 May 2023 06:34 PM

@ Sivakumar..J.H Tamil. Where were you when the entire Muslim population was chased out of the North in the 90's after robbing all there belongings? This was also at gun point by your megalomanic leader.

POOCHIE Baba Tuesday, 16 May 2023 09:11 PM

@Jayantha Phd... what facts are you talking about. As mentioned again ALL religions came by boat..gunslinging white or black ..u seem to be a racsist making the difference, and that my friend is where all problems start!!!

JeromeFernando is better than Ranil who is taking us backwards Wednesday, 17 May 2023 07:19 AM

If choosing between two leaders of men, I would choose Jerome Fernando over RW any day. RW is taking our country deeper backwards into darker ages.

Roche Wednesday, 17 May 2023 01:41 PM

What about Indika Thotawatte? Is it right for him to insult Jesus Christ in public? What is the action taken against him? Why all these insane action taken by the higher authorities?

Malliko Thursday, 18 May 2023 09:25 AM

Why give so much publicity to something that is controversial and comenting on it which has been the on-line practice for more than a decade, when considering where the wonder of Asia sits now. This is deangerous than paparacy type media marketing for the benifit of Mainas, Kaputas, Kak-bo temple imprisoned robers. They sold unsure-goods in elections and ruined the country, now trying to redicule themselves and become unimportant in the eyes of OPTIMIZERS.

Ravi Thursday, 18 May 2023 05:11 PM

‘People are destroyed for lack of knowledge’.

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Insulting the Buddha - RW asks CID to probe Pastor Jerome Fernando

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