Pastor Jerome Fernando has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department today (01) and presented to the Fort Magistrate Court. The arrest is in connection with an investigation into charges of disturbing religious harmony stemming from a controversial Sunday sermon.
Jerome Fernando, who spent six months in Singapore, returned to Sri Lanka on Wednesday (29) under a court order preventing his arrest. The court order specified that he should not be arrested at the airport, and appropriate legal action should be taken in connection with the ongoing investigations. Additionally, Jerome Fernando was directed to appear before the CID within 48 hours of his arrival on the island and provide a statement.
After recording statements from Jerome Fernando for eight hours yesterday (30) and he was arrested today (01) morning upon his return to the CID.