News

Pastor Jerome’s assets to be investigated

Published

2 years 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

COVID subvariants spreading in Asia detected in Sri Lanka

Published

10 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

10 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.