News

Pastor Jerome’s assets to be investigated

Published

4 months ago

May 19, 2023

editor

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.

News

5 jumbos killed in 2 train collisions

Published

8 hours ago

September 28, 2023

editor

Four elephants were killed last night after being knocked down by the night mail train from Colombo to Kankesanthurai last night (27).

The tragedy occurred between the Ambanpola and Galgamuwa railway stations.

Three elephants were killed on the spot while one succumbed to its injuries this morning.

Meanwhile, a mother and a baby elephant were knocked down by the Colombo bound Express Train from Baticaloa at Habarana, Palugaswewa on the Colombo-Batticaloa railway Line last night. The baby elephant was killed on the spot while mother elephant sustained critical injuries.

News

Person arrested with over 1kg of ‘Ice’ in Dehiwala

Published

9 hours ago

September 28, 2023

editor

Police have arrested a suspect along with 1 kilogram and 10 grams of ‘Ice’ (Crystal methamphetamine) drugs at Pannaloka Mawatha in Dehiwala.

The drugs are said to amounting to over Rs. 10 million.

The Police Headquarters mentioned that the arrest was made during a raid conducted in accordance with a tip-off received by the officers of Colombo Crimes Division (CCD).

An electric scale, mobile phone and Rs. 150,000 in cash in the possession of the man were taken into police custody.

The suspect is a 39-year-old resident of the Dehiwala area and is to be produced before the Mount Lavina Magistrate’s Court.

The CCD is conducting further investigations regarding the incident.

News

Defence Ministry issues notice on firearm license renewal for 2024

Published

10 hours ago

September 28, 2023

editor

The Ministry of Defence has issued an announcement on renewing the firearms licenses of individuals and institutions for 2024.

Accordingly, the firearm licenses can be renewed between October 01, 2023, – December 31, 2023.

Necessary details can be downloaded from the official website of the Defence Ministry (www.defence.lk).

Noting that firearm license renewal for 2024 will not be carried out after December 31, 2023, the Defence Ministry emphasized that possession of a firearm without a valid license is a punishable offense under provisions of Section 22 of the Firearms Ordinance.

Meanwhile, registration renewal of private security firms for the year 2024/2025 will be carried out from October 01, 2023 – December 31, 2023.

Any renewals made after the deadline will be subjected to a fine or legal action, the Defence Ministry said further.