Self-proclaimed Prophet Jerome Fernando’s Miracle Dome, a 5,000-seat convention centre built at a cost of Rs. 3 billion in Negombo, has left authorities ‘clueless’ on how the relevant approvals had been provided for the construction of such a structure. 

The land which was owned by the Urban Development Authority (UDA) was initially earmarked for a Board of Investment (BOI) project. However, the facility had later been used by ‘Pastor’ Jerome to conduct prayers, The Sunday Morning learns. 

The construction of the facility had commenced in 2015 and it had been opened to the public last year. The convention centre reportedly aims to be the “premier institute in Southeast Asia for international tourism”.

However, the Miracle Dome website claims that it is the home of the Glorious Church. “Prophet Jerome had an open vision of the location, the specifics of the land, the structure of the building, seating accommodation, and other detailed facets for the building of the Miracle Dome,” the website reads.

According to the website, the Miracle Dome was opened and dedicated for the work of God on 27 May 2022. “The Miracle Dome is a state-of-the-art 4,134 square metre facility constructed on three acres of land. It is an architectural marvel designed to meet international standards and requirements. The design is a first of its kind in Southeast Asia and earmarked for renowned architectural awards. 

“Miracle Dome ICSI is in Negombo, the city of the Miracle Dome, which is 1.3 km from Sri Lanka’s international airport and only a 20-minute drive to the capital of Sri Lanka, the city of Colombo. The location is in close proximity to all the major highways which enables 360 degree access to all parts of the country.”

UDA unaware 

Due to the lack of transparency as to how approval had been given for such a massive project, The Sunday Morning contacted UDA Deputy Director Mahinda Withanaarachichi, who said that he was unaware of any such approval given to the project, as he had not been occupying his present position in 2015. 

Since construction had commenced in 2015, approvals would have been obtained by the pastor prior to 2015, another UDA official who wished to remain anonymous told The Sunday Morning. 

“Many officials have been changed since then and the sections that had been managed by them are usually not available to us unless an issue arises,” the official claimed. 

CID probe

Meanwhile, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has launched a criminal investigation into Pastor Jerome and his wealth. The investigators will also investigate the funds received by his church, which is reportedly not registered with the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs as a place of worship. 

Thus far, five complaints have been recorded by the CID related to the probe on Pastor Jerome.

The CID also obtained an overseas travel ban on Pastor Jerome from the Colombo Magistrate’s Court on 16 May, but by the time the travel ban was secured, the pastor had already left the country. Last week, lawyers for Pastor Jerome filed legal proceedings seeking a stay order to prevent their client from being arrested.

The pastor 

The pastor recently came under the spotlight following the allegedly derogatory comments made by him regarding several religions. 

His website claims that he is the Senior Overseer of the Glorious Church in Colombo, Sri Lanka and that he had been a professional sportsman and successful businessman prior to being a pastor. 

The website further claims that Pastor Jerome graduated in Theological Studies at the Asian Access School of Theology, which is affiliated with Gordon Conwell University of Theology, US.

He is the Chancellor of Osborne University of Theology, UK, appointed by his spiritual father, Prophet Uebert Angel. Prophet Jerome is also a guest lecturer at the London School of Theology, and an Associate Minister at Andrew Wommack Ministries and Charis Bible College, US. 

He has authored many books and has an ever-increasing influence and impact through television media and is a distinguished speaker and minister on many international platforms and was featured on award-winning television network Daystar TV, the website claims.