News

Pastor Jerome flees to England; Rs.12,000mn transferred from banks

Published

2 years ago

July 19, 2023

editor

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has received information that Frederick Christopher Jerome Fernando or Pastor Jerome, who is being investigated by the CID for allegedly making insulting statements against religions including Buddhism, is currently in England.

The CID obtained a travel ban from the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court against him on May 15.

The day before obtaining the court order, Pastor Jerome left for Singapore with his wife and children.

His wife and the children have already returned to Sri Lanka.

The investigations revealed that Pastor Jerome’s religious sect is currently established in 12 countries.

The CID has also received information that despite being out of the country, Pastor Jerome is conducting services for his followers online.

Rs.12,000 million transferred from banks….

Meanwhile, Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage granted permission to the CID to probe nine accounts in both state and private banks including the personal accounts of Pastor Jerome, the accounts of his private firm, the accounts of his church, and that of his wife Melanie Dianne Vancuylenberg.

The Magistrate gave permission to the CID after considering a request made by filing a motion.

Since initial investigations showed that an amount of Rs.12,000 million has been transferred through these accounts, the court has been requested to grant permission to further probe the accounts.

The CID revealed that the investigations made based on the court order will enable them to confirm the amount transferred from these bank accounts and that it will be informed to the court on the next court date.

The court has given permission to check the accounts of three state banks, five local private banks and a branch of a foreign bank in the country.

In addition to the investigation of Pastor Jerome Fernando by the CID, the Illegal Assets Investigations Division is also conducting an investigation under money laundering charges.

News

Heat Index expected at ‘Caution’ level

Published

5 hours ago

April 16, 2025

editor

Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is expected to increase up to ‘Caution level’ tomorrow (April 16) at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts, the Meteorology Department warned.

Effect of the heat index on the human body is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

Accordingly, people at jobsites are urged to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade as often as possible.

Also, constant checks should be made up on the elderly and the sick.

Adults are advised to not leave children unattended and limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.

The public is also urged to wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

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News

Heavy traffic on Ella-Wellawaya road

Published

5 hours ago

April 16, 2025

editor

Heavy traffic congestion has been reported along the Ella-Wellawaya road due to continuous rainfall.

According to the police, vehicle queues had stretched up to five kilometres.
Motorists are advised to use alternate routes to avoid the traffic congestion.

News

Govt. needs a plan to face US taxes – RW

Published

9 hours ago

April 16, 2025

editor

Former President – Ranil Wickremesinghe has emphasized that the Sri Lankan government needs to unveil a plan to face the situation created by the US reciprocal taxes.

Making a special statement, Mr. Wickremesinghe points out that although the taxes have been paused at the moment, it will not be scrapped altogether as it is a part of Trump’s manifesto.

As a direct consequence of these taxes, around 100,000 jobs are at risk, he warned, adding that the consequences would ripple across the broader economy.

“Even if the taxes imposed on Sri Lanka are slashed, we will be compelled to pay taxes of 25% – 30%, resulting in exports still declining” he said.

Noting that Sri Lanka will have to generate funds to start setting its debts by 2028 as per the debt restructuring programme, Mr. Wickremesinghe emphasizes that the Government will have to treat this as an emergency situation and come out with a plan to face the situation.

He emphasizes that firstly, discussions must be held with the US and secondly, it must be planned how to solve this issue domestically.