The Writ petition filed by Pastor Jerome Fernando to prevent his arrest for making a statement insulting other religions including Buddhism was withdrawn yesterday (21) at the Court of Appeal. The petition was called before Court of Appeal Judges Sobitha Rajakaruna and M.A.R.Marikkar for verification of facts. President’s Counsel Jagath Wickramanayake, who appeared for petitioner Jerome Fernando, informed that he expected to withdraw this petition subject to filing a new petition and asked the court to give permission for that. When this case was called earlier, Senior State Counsel Shaminda Wickrama raised some preliminary objections against the petition. Senior State Counsel Shaminda Wickrama and State Counsel Rajika Aluvihare appeared for the respondents including the Attorney General.

Source: Sunday Observer June 22, 2023 17:31 UTC