Jerome Fernando, a pastor who was recently accused of insulting the Buddha and other religious icons, has reportedly left the country.

Sources close to the matter have stated that Fernando has left for Singapore. This news comes after a few police complaints were lodged against him for making derogatory statements about the Buddha, which could potentially harm religious harmony in Sri Lanka.

The situation has raised concern amongst government officials, including President Ranil Wickramasinghe. The President has ordered an immediate investigation into the matter, emphasizing the importance of maintaining religious harmony in the country. The President has expressed concern over the creation of religious conflicts due to irresponsible statements and has instructed the Presidential Adviser on National Security, Chief of the Presidential Staff, Sagala Ratnayake, to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the statement made by the pastor and report the findings to him.

Following the President's orders, Ratnayake has informed the Criminal Investigation Department to begin the investigation without delay. The media had reported that Jerome Fernando had made an insulting statement about the Buddha, which drew the President's attention to the matter.