Special police unit to investigate ‘insult to religions’ on social media!

“According to the instructions of Acting Inspector General of Police Deshabandhu Tennakoon, a distinct unit within the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) has been established to address complaints specifically related to insults to religion. This unit is equipped to investigate such matters thoroughly,” said the Police Media Spokesman, Senior Superintendent of Police Advocate Nihal Talduwa.
He said that public can easily put complaints over this matter throught the newly introduces communication chennels : hotline number – 0112 300 637 , Fax Number – 0112 381 045 , Email address – ccid.religious@police.gov.lk
“These measures are meant to ensure an efficient reporting and addressing mechanism to deal with offenses related to religion” SSP Talduwa added.
A controversial self-proclaimed monk known as “Vishwa Buddha” (means, universal Buddha) was arrested on the 12th December, for allegedly insulting Buddhism by posting videos with offensive content on social media.
Manju Sri is the real name of Vishwa Buddha, often appears online wearing a shirt instead of the traditional monk’s robe. The 34-year-old in his social media posts also asserts that a monk’s robe is nothing more than a mere garment.
“This monk was arrested following complaints from the public and was remanded until December 19th.” SSP Talduwa said..
Also, Pastor Jerome Fernando was arrested on the 01st of December due to a statement he made on his sermon.
Pastor Jerome has said during a sermon that Lord Buddha had been “looking for Jesus” to get tips and inspiration. And this statement triggered a huge backlash in the Buddhist-majority nation.
Pastor Fernando heads the Glorious Church and owns the massive ‘Miracle Dome,’ which can accommodate more than 5,000 followers, where he conducts healing crusades and other programs.
Pastor Fernando is held under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights for allegedly disrupting religious harmony. He has been remanded till December 27th.
Sri Lanka’s population of 22 million, 70.2 percent are Buddhists, and 6.1 percent are Christians.
END.