• Interpol assistance, AG consultation, if needed

The Police said pastor Jerome Fernando, who has been accused of allegedly insulting other religions through a statement, and has left the country for Singapore, can be arrested on his return, and if necessary, there is no obstacle to deal with him through international agencies including the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol).

Fernando has caused controversy by making a statement allegedly insulting Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam, and their founders. Following several complaints lodged against him, the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) had obtained a foreign travel ban on him on Tuesday (16) and an arrest warrant yesterday (17), from the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court.

In an Instagram post, Fernando indicated that he would return to the Island within the week, to host a service on 21 May titled ‘mega church day’.

Police Media Spokesman, Senior Superintendent of Police and attorney Nihal Thalduwa told the media yesterday that it could be confirmed that Fernando had left the country on 14 May. "It is reported that he left the country on 14 May. The travel ban against him was issued on Tuesday. When such a ban is issued against a person, they cannot leave nor enter the country. They can be arrested in both instances." Commenting on the fact that the foreign travel ban against Fernando was issued after he left the country, he said it usually takes substantial time for the CID to initiate an investigation and report the facts to Court. "It is only after complaints are lodged that the CID initiates investigations. Thereafter, the findings should be reported to the Court in a manner that would satisfy the Court. It takes time for such an investigation to be carried out." 

In response to a query what would the CID do if he (Fernando) does not return, Thalduwa said the CID would act as per relevant legal provisions. "If he is found to have committed any criminal offence through the investigations, the CID would report the facts to the Court. After filing the charges, it is possible to deal with him internationally through organisations such as the Interpol. There is a process to be followed with regard to such a suspect, and there is no obstacle for it to be carried out. It will however be decided upon the findings of the investigations," he explained.

The media also queried about allegations of money laundering  levelled against Fernando. Responding, Thalduwa said: "It is only two to three days ago that the CID received complaints about him. An extensive investigation is being carried out, it should be looked into further, after which we can make a statement. Bank accounts especially should be examined to ascertain if one has committed any money laundering related activity. The time the CID has had is not sufficient for a lengthy investigation involving other related institutions."

Given the fact that Fernando is said to have had connections with prominent political figures, the media questioned Thalduwa as to whether there would be any influence on the  investigations, to which he replied: "There is no such influence and investigations are being carried out independently. The people and complainants are watching the matter. Also, this is not something the Police and the CID alone can do. It is done in cooperation with the Court and other related institutions. If necessary, the Attorney General (AG) will also be consulted."

Video footage related to a sermon delivered by Fernando to his congregation, which had been widely circulated on social media platforms in recent days, had stirred up controversy, due to allegations that it included derogatory statements related to Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam. Considering the allegations levelled against Fernando by several parties, President Ranil Wickremesinghe had ordered the CID to launch an immediate investigation into his controversial statement.

Several parties, including an organisation of Buddhist monks, namely, the New Buddhist Front (Nawa Bhikshu Peramuna), the Sarwapakshika Aragalakaruwo organisation that was part of the people's struggle which demanded the resignation of then President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya led by Opposition Parliamentarian, attorney Udaya Gammanpila had also lodged complaints with the CID against Fernando, seeking his immediate arrest and legal action against him.