Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage ordered yesterday (16) a travel ban on Pastor Jerome Fernando who made a statement that harmed religious harmony but he had left the country early morning yesterday, according to sources.
The Magistrate made this order after considering the request made by the Criminal Investigation Department, saying that investigations had been started against the pastor who had made irresponsible statements.
The Criminal Investigation Department requested this order saying that it could create religious conflicts and affect the harmony of the country. Meanwhile the Catholic church yesterday condemned the comments made by Pastor Jerome Fernando.
Speaking to the media, Reverend Father Cyril Gamini Fernando stated the Pator is neither a Catholic priest nor connected to the Catholic Church of Sri Lanka. Father Cyril Gamini Fernando said that it appears that a recent statement made by Pastor Jerome Fernando has posed a threat to religious harmony in the country.
While noting that every individual has the right to practice and preach their favoured religion, Father Cyril Gamini further stated, however, it does not amount to a right to make derogatory or controversial statements against another religion.
The controversial statements made by Pastor Jerome may cause harm to religious harmony he said.
Meanwhile President Ranil Wickremesinghe had ordered an immediate investigation into the statement made by Pastor Jerome Fernando that could cause harm to religious harmony on Monday.
The President had directed the Presidential Adviser on National Security and President’s Chief of Staff Sagala Ratnayake, to order an investigation on the above matter.
Ratnayake had informed the Criminal Investigation Department to immediately start an investigation as per the President’s order regarding the pastor’s statement.