The Board of the Apostolic Diocese of Ceylon (ADC) denied allegations made against Kirby de Lanerolle and WOW Life Church. In a statement, ADC said that on 21 July 2019, “a sermon” delivered by Dr. Ivor Poobalan from the Methodist Church, Kollupitiya pulpit initiated and brought about a “slanderous and false narrative” against ADC Chief Overseer Kirby de Lanerolle and WOW Life Church which was carried through in several ensuing media publications. The Board of the ADC said that it waited for over a month for some form of clarification, retraction, reconciliation, or apostolic mediation from any of the churches or the parties concerned. However, ADC says no one was forthcoming, so they have decided to respond publicly. “It must also be said here that three weeks prior to the said sermon, Dr. Poobalan was present at a meeting between the ADC and Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka (EASL) to discuss other church-related matters – when it was agreed to meet at a later date to discuss any doctrinal differences. The ADC agreed to meet at a later date; however, Dr. Poobalan proceeded to deliver this sermon. Unfortunately, we can only deduce from the context and content of Dr. Ivor Poobalan’s sermon that it portrays dishonourable intent against the ADC,” the statement said. ADC says the sermon was also irresponsible to say the least against another church and its congregants and members. “Rev. Dr. Kirby de Lanerolle and his wife Fiona have never presented themselves as special beings, but always used the biblical teachings that have been dead in transgression, which are now saved by grace through faith and continue to progressively grow from faith to faith through the power of the Holy Spirit. Rev. Dr. Kirby does enjoy fasting for long periods regularly. Fasting is a biblical practice which is also now recognised by science to have health benefits. He does eat food when not fasting and enjoys his meals and has always represented this fact openly and publicly. He does not enforce his fasted lifestyle on anyone else,” ADC added.