Pastor Jerome Fernando, who is currently embroiled in much controversy, is expected to return to Sri Lanka today (21) amidst an arrest warrant being issued on him. Fernando is to therefore be arrested upon his return to Sri Lanka.

Fernando had last week posted a message on his Instagram page stating, “Hello Family, as you are all aware, I’m presently travelling on pre-scheduled official matters pertaining to the ministry and will be back home on Sunday.”

“Looking forward to Sri Lanka. Love you all. Be at the dome on Sunday 10 a.m. 1ST for MEGA CHURCH DAY with the entire TGC family,” he had added.

However, it was later reported that the congregation had received SMS messages and WhatsApp group messages informing parishioners to attend the Sunday service at their respective branches as the service at the Miracle Dome had been cancelled.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) had also obtained a travel ban against Fernando from the Fort Magistrate’s Court on Monday (15). Fernando however had left the country on Sunday (14) prior to the travel ban.

Fernando is accused of having made derogatory statements related to Lord Buddha, Islam, and Hinduism in front of a packed congregation recently.

Meanwhile, on behalf of the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka, Rev. Father Cyril Gamini Fernando had told the media last week that it had been observed that a recent statement made by Pastor Jerome had posed a threat to religious harmony in the country.

Stating that every individual had the right to practise and preach their favoured religion, Father Cyril Gamini had further stated that they did not possess the right to make derogatory or controversial statements against another religion.