Jerome Fernando released on bail with conditions

Self-proclaimed Prophet Jerome Fernando was granted bail yesterday by the Colombo Fort Magistrates Court, marking a development in a case that has stirred public debate.

The court granted bail with a cash bail requirement of Rs. 500,000 and two personal bails of Rs. 10 million each. Despite securing bail, the court imposed travel restrictions, prohibiting him from leaving the country.

Fernando, who had been in remand custody since last December, faced arrest by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) following a two-day statement provision. He was wanted by the Sri Lanka Police after allegedly having made derogatory statements about Lord Buddha, Islam, and Hinduism in front of a packed congregation in May 2023.

Video footage of his remarks had caused uproar among the followers of Buddhism in the country. Later, Fernando issued multiple apologies regarding his controversial statement.

He was arrested and interrogated upon his arrival in Sri Lanka after nearly six months overseas since the incident.