The Malwatta and Asgiri Maha Viharas have expressed serious concerns about recent actions by Pastor Jerome Fernando, urging authorities to take swift action to prevent any potential escalation into religious conflict. These views were shared by the prelates of the two prominent monasteries today (24), as several groups, including Buddhist organizations, visited them to lodge complaints regarding a controversial video involving Pastor Jerome.
The video, which was widely circulated on social media, shows a man dressed in a robe during a religious program led by Pastor Jerome. The incident has sparked outrage, particularly among Buddhist groups, who argue that such actions insult Buddhism and could provoke tensions between different religious communities.
The Cardinal of the Catholic Church also issued a statement on (23), condemning the incident and calling for greater respect for religious harmony. In response to growing concerns, monks from the Ravana Balaya and Sinhale organizations met with the Chief Prelate of the Malwathu Chapter, Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Sumangala Thero, to discuss the matter and advocate for legal action.
During the meeting, the Chief Prelate emphasized the need for legal measures to address the issue and prevent further damage to interfaith relations. Similarly, Venerable Battaramulla Seelarathana Thero, leader of the Janasetha Peramuna, also arrived in Kandy to brief the Chief Prelates of both the Asgiri and Malwathu Chapters about Pastor Jerome’s activities.
The growing opposition to the video highlights ongoing sensitivities surrounding religious respect and the need for vigilance in maintaining peace and understanding between different communities in Sri Lanka.
