President Ranil Wickramasinghe has ordered an immediate investigation into an insulting statement made by pastor Jerome Fernando that may harm religious harmony in Sri Lanka.

The President expressed concern over the creation of religious conflicts due to irresponsible statements and emphasized the importance of maintaining harmony in the country.

The President 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 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.