Self- styled Prophet Jerome Fernando has once again collected a large sum of money for a new project he has begun called ‘The Ebenezer Prayer Mountain’, with congregation members donating yet again in millions, sources close to The News Desk has revealed.
The prayer mountain , which is currently being built in an undisclosed location in Sri Lanka, was planned by Fernando as a ‘retreat location’ for members of the church to pray and ‘connect with God’.
When contacted by The Newsdesk today (05) to inquire about the said mountain and the accounts in which the funds are being collected in, police spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa said that the CID is still investigating the case and ideally the accounts of Fernando and his wife Malanie Vancuylenberg should be ‘frozen’.
“Jerome Fernando is under investigation still and ideally his accounts should be frozen. He must be collecting the money in other accounts. This must be checked,” said Thalduwa.
The Investigator in charge of Fernando’s Money Laundering case, OIC Harischandra, has remained mum when inquired about the case.
Jerome Fernando left the country hours before a court order was issued for his arrest for controversial statements made by the self-styled Prophet pertaining to other religions, which caused social media outrage and religious disharmony in the country.
Despite his parents Wendy Fernando and Jayalath Fernando apologizing to the Chief Prelates and Mahanayaka’s, the case against Fernando still remains active and open, with the Chief Prelates reiterating that an apology is accepted but justice is yet to be served.
Ven. Omalpe Sobhitha Thera later spoke to the media and stated that Jerome Fernando spoke without much ‘knowledge and understanding’.
“Jerome Fernando’s parents arrived at the headquarters to accept their wrong and ask for an apology on behalf of their son. They admitted that their son is not very knowledgeable and not very aware of social ethics and thus made such remarks. I am glad they came to discuss this matter,” said the Ven. Thera, who later noted that the investigation must continue as justice should prevail.
Meanwhile, Fernando, who is currently residing in England, has travelled to Dubai recently and is now holidaying in Zimbabwe.
An arrest warrant is still in place for Fernando, who has managed to evade the warrant by remaining abroad.
