CID to question Jerome within 48 hours after his return

Self-styled ‘prophet’ pastor Jerome Fernando, who secretly left the country in May this year, is expected to come back soon.Fernando fled before the police moved in following complaints against him making some derogatory remarks about Buddhism, Islam and Hinduism.

The Court of Appeal yesterday (17) directed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) not to arrest Fernando on his arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake.

The court also directed that Fernando make himself available for the CID to record a statement within 48 hours after his return to the country.The Court of Appeal’s two-judge bench, comprising Justice (President) Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne and Chamath Morais made this order pursuant to a writ petition filed by Pastor Jerome Fernando.