Pastor Jerome Fernando left the country prior to the CID obtaining a travel ban on him

Colombo Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage yesterday issued an order preventing Pastor Jerome Fernando from leaving the country over an incident where he had allegedly made statements that are detrimental to religious harmony in the country.

The Magistrate made this order after considering a request made by the Criminal Investigation Department stating that they have initiated an investigation against the pastor who had made irresponsible statements, hurting the sentiments of the Buddhist community.

The magistrate ordered the immigration authorities to immediately inform the Criminal Investigation Department if the suspect attempted to leave the country. However, Pastor Fernando had already left the country when the CID obtained the court order.