The Illegal Assets Investigations Division under the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has decided to launch an investigation into the assets and property belonging to Pastor Jerome Fernando, who is accused of insulting the Buddha.
The day before the court issued a foreign travel ban on Jerome Fernando, he went to Singapore. However, he said that he will return on Sunday.
It has been revealed that the total assessed value of the religious center called ‘Miracle Dome’ on Veyangoda Road, Katunayake, where Jerome Fernando delivers his sermons, is USD 9 million.
This four-acre land has been given by a businessman and his wife who are members of his church.
Pastors from countries such as the UK, the USA, Hong Kong, UAE, Australia, India and Bangladesh come to Sri Lanka for prayer services and Pastor Fernando’s church receives funds from these countries.
It has been revealed that receipts are not issued for the money given as aid to this church, and the minimum amount that can be paid as aid is Rs.500,000.
Investigation has revealed that the money received by this church is deposited in the accounts in Dubai, Qatar and England using the Undiyal system.
Two of the most expensive housing units in Mt. Lavinia and Havelock City have been bought under the name of the pastor’s family.
Rajapaksas are not involved
Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said that he has met Pastors Uebert Angel and Jerome Fernando only once but he has no further relationship with them.
Mr. Rajapaksa said that he met them once because of an official request made by Pastor Jerome Fernando’s office.
He said this in response to the allegation that he has a relationship with pastors Uebert Angel and Jerome Fernando.
