Monk wants probe into Jerome’s ‘int’l’ links
Posted on May 29th, 2023
BY Sahan Tennekoon
- Omalpe Sobitha reiterates need for anti-conversion bill
Chief Prelate of the Ramanna Sect – Southern Sri Lanka, Ven. Dr. Omalpe Sobitha Thera yesterday (29) said that the intelligence agencies should immediately conduct an investigation into Pastor Jerome Fernando, who allegedly insulted Buddhism and several other religions when preaching, and determine whether he is being led by any international force.
Speaking to the media yesterday, he also said that the Government should immediately launch an investigation into how he amassed such a large amount of wealth and disclose the sources of his wealth.
We have seen this so-called pastor giving sermons insulting Buddhism and several other religions. By making such statements, there is a possibility of creating discord between those religions. We have seen that this person lives a very luxurious lifestyle. It is proof that this person is accumulating a large amount of wealth. But, it is unclear where this money is coming from and for what purpose it is being given. Therefore, we request the Government to immediately conduct an investigation into the incident with the support of the intelligence agencies and expose if there is any international conspiracy behind this,” he said.
Speaking further, he mentioned that it is the responsibility of the relevant authorities to make laws that prevent people from being converted to another religion by force or money.
Video footage related to a sermon delivered by Fernando in front of his congregation, which had been widely circulated on social media platforms in recent days, had stirred controversy due to allegations that it included derogatory statements with regard to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam.
Considering the allegations that have been levelled against Fernando by several parties, President Ranil Wickremesinghe had ordered the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to launch an immediate investigation into his controversial statement. The CID had obtained an arrest warrant and a foreign travel ban on him on 17 May. Meanwhile, a Fundamental Rights petition had been filed by Fernando before the Supreme Court, seeking that an order be issued preventing his arrest by the CID.