The controversy surrounding Pastor Jerome Fernando has taken a new turn, as the Attorney General provided an undertaking before the Supreme Court on January 17, 2025, to review any additional complaints against the pastor, including those yet to be considered. The assurance came during a hearing on a Fundamental Rights petition filed by religious leaders, focusing on alleged hate speech and financial irregularities that have rocked Sri Lanka’s religious and legal circles.
Attorney General’s Undertaking
The Attorney General yesterday (17) provided an undertaking before the Supreme Court that any further complaints not yet considered could be forwarded by the petitioners to the Attorney General and these complaints will be reviewed when making a final and independent decision regarding potential action against Pastor Jerome Fernando in connection with alleged hate speech undermining religious harmony in the country.
Senior Deputy Solicitor General (SDSG) Sudarshana de Silva, representing the Attorney General, informed the Supreme Court’s three-judge bench—comprising Justices Preethi Padman Surasena, Janak de Silva, and Mahinda Samayawardena—that any further complaints could be forwarded by the petitioners. These complaints would then be reviewed as part of an independent decision on whether to proceed with legal action against Pastor Jerome Fernando.
Sanjeeva Jayawardena, PC, appearing for the petitioners, highlighted their dissatisfaction with the Criminal Investigation Department’s (CID) investigation into the pastor’s alleged money laundering activities. He emphasized that the petitioners believed the inquiries lacked depth and failed to uncover the full scope of the financial misconduct.
The Supreme Court recorded that any additional evidence or complaints submitted by the petitioners would be reviewed by the Attorney General, who would retain the discretion to decide on further legal action. With this assurance, all counsel agreed to terminate the proceedings, allowing the focus to shift to the ongoing and potential new investigations.
Background on Pastor Jerome Fernando
Pastor Jerome Fernando, a prominent televangelist and leader of the Prophet Jerome Fernando Ministries, has been a polarizing figure in Sri Lanka. Known for his prosperity gospel and claims of performing miracles, he rose to prominence with large-scale gatherings at the “Miracle Dome” in Katunayake. However, his activities have increasingly drawn scrutiny, particularly his alleged involvement in money laundering and hate speech.
In May 2023, Fernando made inflammatory statements about Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam, sparking outrage and accusations of undermining religious harmony. His remarks were widely criticized, leading to a Fundamental Rights petition filed by a coalition of religious leaders, including Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thera, Ven. Bengamuwe Nalaka Thera, Rev. Father Nishan Cooray, and others. The petition sought legal action under Sri Lanka’s International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act.
Money Laundering Allegations
While the hate speech allegations have dominated headlines, the petitioners have also raised serious concerns about financial misconduct. Pastor Jerome’s association with Zimbabwean televangelist Uebert Angel in 2020 marked a significant shift in his ministry’s operations and financial dealings. Reports suggest that Fernando adopted a more extravagant lifestyle and intensified financial appeals from his followers, raising questions about the transparency of his ministry’s finances.
Despite his December 2023 arrest and subsequent release on bail, the petitioners assert that the investigations into his money laundering activities remain inadequate. They have accused the authorities of failing to delve into the pastor’s international financial transactions and the sources of his wealth.
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 Al Quadri filed this petition naming Pastor Jerome Fernando, IGP and several others as respondents. The petitioners had sought an order directing the authorities that legal action be instituted against Pastor Jerome Fernando under International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act of 56 of 2007.
Path Forward
The Supreme Court’s decision to terminate the current proceedings does not signal the end of scrutiny for Pastor Jerome Fernando. The Attorney General’s undertaking to review additional complaints ensures that new evidence could lead to further investigations.
