By Lakmal Sooriyagoda  

The Supreme Court yesterday directed the Attorney General to submit the progress of the investigations against Pastor Jerome Fernando within two weeks over his alleged hate remarks against religious harmony in the country.  

The Supreme Court made this direction when the Fundamental Rights petition filed by a group of religious leaders seeking an order directing the authorities to immediately act against Pastor Jerome Fernando was called before the Supreme Court.  

The petitioners Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thera, Ven. Bengamuwe Nalaka Thera, Ven. Angulugalle Sri Ginanada Thera, Rev. Father Nishan Cooray, Dr. Sivasui Ramachandra Kurukkal Babu Sharma and Al-Haj-Ash-Seyed Hassan Moulana Al Quadri filed this petition naming Pastor Jerome Fernando, IGP and several others as respondents. The petitioners are seeking an order directing the authorities that legal action be instituted against Pastor Jerome Fernando under International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act of 56 of 2007.  

Senior Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris appearing for the Attorney General informed the court that the CID has already commenced investigations against Pastor Jerome Fernando under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The Supreme Court three-judge-bench headed by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya fixed the petition for June 10. President’s Counsel Sanjeeva Jayawardena appeared for the petitioners.