Jerome cannot get away with an apology: Minister Alles

•  The investigations against Pastor Fernando are being conducted by the CID

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

A day after Pastor Jerome Fernando had expressed an apology via a live video stream over his controversial remarks, Public Security Minister Tiran Alles said an apology will not prevent the police taking action against him.   

Pastor Fernando who is under investigation over his controversial remarks made against Buddhism, Islam and Hinduism, left the country last week.   

“If someone had committed an offence and said sorry, we cannot withdraw investigations. It has not happened in the past and will not happen in the future. It is the procedure not only for this particular matter but for any case,” Minister Alles said at a media briefing held at the Public Security Ministry today.   

He said the investigations against Pastor Fernando are being conducted by the CID.   

“The CID has received a number of complaints against him and they are investigating all2 the complaints currently. 

The court had issued a travel ban against him. So when that happens, the normal procedure is that when the person returned to the country, he is handed over to the CID at the airport,” the minister said.   

He said the CID will question and record statements upon his arrival.   

“Then only can the CID decide whether he will be produced before court or sent home,” the minister said.   
Pastor Fernando claimed that his lawyers are currently preparing the way for him to return to Sri Lanka.   
However, he earlier claimed that he would return to the country on Sunday (21).