The Attorney General has assured the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka that additional complaints against Pastor Jerome Fernando, accused of promoting hate speech and disrupting religious harmony, will be reviewed and considered for further action. This commitment was made by Senior Deputy Solicitor General Sudarshana de Silva during a hearing before a Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Preethi Padman Surasena, Janak de Silva, and Mahinda Samayawardena.
The proceedings were part of a fundamental rights petition filed by a group of prominent religious leaders seeking legal action against Pastor Jerome Fernando for alleged violations under the Penal Code and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act. The petitioners have raised concerns about the impact of Fernando’s statements on religious harmony in the country.
Senior Deputy Solicitor General de Silva informed the court that complainants are now permitted to file additional complaints with the Attorney General, who will carefully evaluate them and take an independent decision regarding any further investigations or legal proceedings. This agreement led the Supreme Court to terminate the current proceedings, with all parties in consensus.
President’s Counsel Sanjeewa Jayawardena, representing the petitioners, emphasized dissatisfaction with the Criminal Investigation Department’s (CID) inquiry into Pastor Fernando’s alleged activities, including money laundering. He noted that while Fernando had been arrested and charged, the investigations failed to meet the petitioners’ expectations of thoroughness.
The petitioners—Venerable Elle Gunawansa Thero, Venerable Bengamuwe Nalaka Thero, Venerable Angulugalle Sri Jinanada Thero, Father Nishan Cooray, Dr. Sivasui Ramachandra Kurukkal Babu Sharma, and Al-Haj-as-Sayed Hassan Maulana Al-Qudri—named Pastor Jerome Fernando, the Inspector General of Police, and other officials as respondents. They sought an order compelling authorities to act against Fernando under the ICCPR Act No. 56 of 2007, which penalizes actions inciting religious or communal hatred.
The petitioners argued that Fernando’s statements had caused significant harm to social cohesion and demanded accountability. They also raised concerns about his alleged involvement in financial misconduct, urging the Attorney General to examine these issues thoroughly.
The court further authorized Jayawardena to submit additional complaints to the Attorney General for review, ensuring that the petitioners’ concerns would be included in any subsequent decisions.
Senior Counsel Jeewantha Kulathunga appeared on behalf of Pastor Jerome Fernando, while Senior Deputy Solicitor General de Silva represented the Attorney General. President’s Counsel Jayawardena assured the court that the petitioners would cooperate fully in submitting detailed complaints to facilitate the Attorney General’s review.
This development highlights the Sri Lankan government’s focus on addressing allegations of hate speech and maintaining religious harmony while emphasizing the importance of independent investigations and judicial oversight in sensitive cases.
