News

Pastor Jerome has no previous convictions: CID

Published

2 years ago

July 11, 2023

editor

Pastor Jerome Fernando, who fled the country before being arrested for allegedly making insulting remarks about the Buddha, and his family members have no previous convictions under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) said.

Accordingly, the Illegal Assets Investigation Division has reported to the court that legal action cannot be taken against him or his family members under money laundering charges.

These investigations have been launched based on a complaint made by an organisation by the name ‘Citizens’ Power Against Bribery and Corruption’ against Frederic Christopher Fernando aka Reverend Jerome Fernando, who is a resident of Menerigama, Mt.Lavinia.

The investigators have looked into whether there have been any allegations related to illegal drugs, fraud, murders, robberies and other illegal activities. It has been revealed that no charges have been brought against him by any unit.

Statements have also been recorded from about 40 people over the acquisition of land and money for the construction of the ‘Miracle Dome’ religious center operated by Reverend Fernando on the Veyangoda Road, Katunayake.

The statements have confirmed that this land has been donated by businessman Gretion Gunawardena and wife through a deed of gift. The Miracle Dome building has been built on this four-acre land.

News

COVID subvariants spreading in Asia detected in Sri Lanka

Published

9 hours ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Medical Research Institute of Sri Lanka has confirmed that the COVID-19 variant currently spreading in the Asian region has also been identified in the country.

Dr. Jude Jayamaha, a specialist in viral diseases at the Medical Research Institute, stated that patients infected with the Omicron subvariants LF.7 and XFG are being reported locally.

Dr. Jayamaha explained that this finding was confirmed through research conducted on biological samples collected from several hospitals across the island.

However, he emphasized that there is no need for undue fear regarding these COVID-19 variants.

Health authorities have also stressed the importance of vulnerable groups—such as pregnant mothers, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses—following health guidelines, including wearing face masks and avoiding crowded places.

Dr. Jayamaha reiterated that new COVID-19 variants emerge periodically, and health authorities are continuously monitoring the situation, so the public should remain calm.

(newswire.lk)

(This story, originally published by newswire.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Anudi misses out from Miss World Quarter-Finals

Published

9 hours ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Miss World organization has announced its quarter-finalists, selecting 40 contestants from across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Sri Lanka’s Anudi Gunasekara, was not selected in the top 40, despite being recognized for her impressive performances in the Multimedia and Head-to-Head challenges.

The top 40 consisted of 10 contestants each from Asia & Oceania, Europe, Africa and the Americas.