LNP – AG assures Supreme Court of review on unaddressed complaints in Pastor Jerome hate speech case

The Attorney General yesterday (17) provided an undertaking before the Supreme Court that any further complaints not yet considered could be forwarded by the petitioners to the Attorney General and these complaints will be reviewed when making a final and independent decision regarding potential action against Pastor Jerome Fernando in connection with alleged hate speech undermining religious harmony in the country.

Senior Deputy Solicitor General Sudarshana de Silva, representing the Attorney General, made this undertaking before a three-judge Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Preethi Padman Surasena, Janak de Silva, and Mahinda Samayawardena. This occurred during the hearing of a Fundamental Rights petition filed by a group of religious leaders seeking an order for legal action against Pastor Jerome Fernando.
 
The Supreme Court recorded that Sanjeeva Jayawardena, PC, would be authorized to forward any additional complaints to the Attorney General on behalf of the petitioners. The Attorney General would then consider these complaints for investigation and make a final decision at their discretion. Sanjeeva Jayawardena, PC, informed the court that if this approach was agreed upon, the proceedings could be terminated. As all counsel were in agreement, the Supreme Court subsequently terminated the proceedings.
 
Jayawardena further informed the court that the petitioners were dissatisfied with the Criminal Investigation Department’s (CID) investigation into Pastor Jerome’s alleged money laundering activities. He noted that, despite the pastor’s arrest and court appearance for violations under the Penal Code and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Act, the petitioners felt the investigations were inadequate.
 
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-As-Seyed Hassan Moulana Al Quadri filed this petition naming Pastor Jerome Fernando, IGP and several others as respondents. The petitioners had sought 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. 
 
President’s Counsel Sanjeeva Jayawardena appeared for the petitioners.

Senior Deputy Solicitor General Sudarshana de Silva appeared for the Attorney General. Senior Counsel Jeewantha Kulatunga appeared for Pastor Jerome Fernando.