Jerome Fernando.
Jerome Fernando is a Christian leader with many titles, and his name is widely recognized. Known as a preacher in the spotlight, he has faced his share of criticism, but has never wavered or stopped delivering his message. Jerome claims to speak directly to people’s hearts, and his greatest strength lies in his ability to remain relevant. He goes beyond just words, reaching out to heal and meet the needs of those who listen.
So, what is it that draws so many people to Jerome Fernando? Many are curious about the man who dares to prophesy about election outcomes. To explore this, Business Today spoke with the founder of the Glorious Church, who shared that his message is firmly rooted in the Bible, but he delivers it in a way that resonates with modern audiences. In a world overwhelmed by noise and information, Jerome’s approach helps people internalize and remember his words.
In a competitive landscape for people’s attention, Jerome Fernando has undoubtedly emerged victorious, capturing more and more focus every day. With his flamboyance and impeccable sense of style, some wonder whether he is truly authentic and approachable. To his skeptics, Jerome simply says, “Come and see.”
Words Jennifer Paldano Goonewardane.
Photography Sujith Heenatigala and Dinesh Fernando.
How would you like to be addressed?
Just call me Jerome.
You have gained significant recognition in Sri Lanka and abroad. Could you share what initially inspired you to pursue a career in ministry and preaching?
What initially inspired me to pursue a career in ministry and preaching was a four-letter word: pain. I grew up in a low- income family and began my spiritual journey in the Roman Catholic Church. My father was a gambler, and with gambling came other destructive vices. I witnessed a family torn apart and a mother enduring immense suffering. Growing up in such an environment, I found myself searching for answers.
At the age of 16, 30 years ago, I was invited to a church where I heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a way that was completely new to me. For the first time, I experienced the hope and light that could pierce through the darkness I had lived in. In that moment, I gave my heart to Christ. Additionally, I witnessed my mother’s miraculous healing from an incurable disease, further affirming the power of faith. All these experiences combined awakened me to the calling I live out today. My spiritual journey began through pain, but it has ultimately led me to a life of purpose, healing, and hope.
But you were still with the church that brought you to Christ.
I was raised in a Roman Catholic environment and studied at St. Peter’s College and attended St. Antony’s church for Sunday Mass. I’m truly grateful for that upbringing, as it provided me with a foundational understanding of Jesus, the saints, and much more. However, what truly transformed my life at the age of 16 was an encounter with what is known as the Spirit of God. This was a deeply spiritual experience that had no connection to tradition or the reference points I had known of God at the time. That divine encounter was unlike anything I had ever experienced, and it instilled in me the conviction I carry today. While my upbringing and education certainly played a role, it was this extraordinary spiritual experience that truly shaped my faith.
When did you feel the prompting to start your ministry?
The answer to your question has two sides, much like a coin. I didn’t start my ministry on my own, but I did step out on my own. Let me explain: at the age of 16, after I gave my heart to Christ and witnessed my mother’s healing, a small church ministry began in our home, pioneered by my parents. My father, who was unsaved at the time, saw my mother’s healing and gave his heart to Christ as well. We started holding small prayer meetings at home, but I wasn’t fully involved because my focus was on becoming a professional cricketer. I represented Sri Lanka in the under-19 category as a top wicketkeeper, touring India, and I also captained the under-19 First XI at Saint Peter’s College Colombo. While I remained in the background, I did lead worship, and I saw God use me in powerful ways.
I had been prophesying since the age of 13, even before my personal encounter with God at 16, and I was also witnessing healings. However, it wasn’t until I was 29 that I truly left the “boat” behind—13 years after my spiritual encounter. At that point, I was immersed in the apparel industry, a professional cricketer, and a cricket coach, along with working as a textile consultant. I was juggling many roles when I heard God’s voice clearly at 29, telling me to leave everything behind. So, I did just that and entered full-time ministry. At the time, the church had only about a hundred members, and I took over from my parents. That was 16 years ago.
So, from then on to the Dome, what has the journey been like?
Surprisingly, the Miracle Dome wasn’t part of the picture when I was 29. I would be lying if I said that God revealed the full scope of my impact or that I saw the Miracle Dome and the many people it would attract. I didn’t have a grand vision at the time. All I heard was, “Jerome, leave, and I will do big things with you.”And that’s what I’ve been living out ever since—that one word: “I’m going to do big things with you.”
The vision for the Miracle Dome began to take shape in 2015. By that time, I was carrying a global vision that felt like a baby growing inside me—something that had started in its embryonic form when I was 29. But by 2015, the vision became overwhelming, like a mother carrying a child, knowing that if I didn’t give birth to it, it would die within me.
The Miracle Dome was birthed in that season. It emerged when I began to see my life impacting nations. Christian ministers from other countries were travelling to see me, listen to me, and meet me. The question then became: how would countries come to Jerome Fernando and receive from my ministry? Where would they gather? That’s when the Miracle Dome came into focus. It had to be an international location, a place where nations could come together. I shared the vision with the church, and 13,000 people rallied behind me, contributing towards it. To date, we have invested about 3.5 billion in the project, and it has been completed debt-free.
Your teaching of the Gospel has generated admiration and criticism. How do you respond to critics who allege that your prosperity teaching distorts Christian teachings and focuses too much on material wealth?
The message I preach is not fundamentally different from what Jesus or Paul taught. The difference lies in how I’ve presented it, tailored to meet the specific needs of Sri Lankans. For example, the KIA Carnival may be called something different in another country, but it’s still the same vehicle. Similarly, I have packaged the Gospel in a way that resonates with the people I serve, understanding what they need in their context.
Since my school days, I’ve trained myself to face criticism, persecution, and adversity. Even while attending a Roman Catholic school, I began going to a charismatic church, which led to severe persecution from my teachers. For two years, I endured harsh treatment because of my church affiliation. The persecution was so intense that I had to wear multiple layers of clothing to protect myself from the beatings. This experience taught me how to handle opposition and criticism, which has been a constant part of my journey.
Even a country’s president cannot win 100 percent of the vote, and after 2,000 years, the Gospel has not been fully accepted by the world. I understand this reality when I face opposition. It would be unwise to expect universal acceptance of my teachings or ministry—that’s simply not how things work. However, I continue to preach with conviction because the results speak for themselves. The healings, prophecies, the building of the 3.5 billion debt-free Miracle Dome, and even surviving prison—none of this happened by accident. You cannot sustain such impact over time if what you’re doing is false. That’s how I respond to those who misunderstand or criticize my ministry and teachings.
You just said you package it differently. Can you explain?
When I say I “package it differently,” I mean that I’ve consciously differentiated myself from other preachers, pastors, apostles, and prophets. Differentiation is a marketing strategy, and I’ve applied it to ensure that people remember what I teach. It’s similar to how products are marketed. Jesus is the core message I offer, but I present it in my own unique style.
We are in a battle for people’s attention and memory. In today’s world, so much is vying for people’s focus, and it’s crucial that they remember the teachings we impart. To achieve this, I’ve set myself apart through the clothes I wear, the way I speak, and my overall approach. By adopting a distinct style, I make it easier for people to remember the message I’m sharing. Essentially, what I mean by “packaging” is that I’ve tailored my approach to ensure my teachings resonate and stay with people.
Now that you mentioned differentiating yourself in many aspects, what will you tell those who criticize you for being ostentatious?
When it comes to the criticism of my attire being ostentatious, I view clothing as something deeply spiritual. The Bible itself illustrates this: for instance, a woman who had suffered from a blood disorder for twelve years touched Jesus’s garment and was healed. In the Old Testament, God provided Moses with detailed instructions for the attire of the priests. Clothing has had spiritual significance since the Garden of Eden. It serves as a means of recognition, helping to distinguish people according to their roles and vocations. While some may see my clothing as merely fashion, for me, it is first and foremost spiritual before it becomes a matter of style. That’s why I take care in choosing my attire. Having spent 11 years in the clothing industry, I am still actively involved today through my clothing brand, Prize, where we specialize in bespoke men’s suits and other offerings.
Do you have a team designing and advising you on your attires?
I do have a design team, though I occasionally create my own pieces. For instance, the outfit I’m wearing today was purchased rather than designed by me. Looking back at old photos, I see how my past clothes, often ill-fitting, did not present me well. Over time, I’ve come to understand the importance of quality and presentation. Before a preacher’s message can be accepted, the messenger must first be accepted. Clothing plays a role in making the messenger presentable and approachable. I also want to remind people in Sri Lanka that my ministry is global. While a Sri Lankan might have an issue with my attire, I’ve received no such criticism from Americans—where we have about four churches. Ultimately, the criticism often stems from narrow-mindedness.
I shared the vision with the church, and 13,000 people rallied behind me, contributing towards it. To date, we have invested about 3.5 billion in the project, and it has been completed debt-free.
You were recently named a bishop, which has sparked controversy among the traditional mainline churches. How do you feel about this recognition, and what responsibilities do you believe come with this title?
I understand my recent appointment as bishop has sparked controversy, particularly among traditional mainline churches. The title of bishop is about authority over territories and regions; it is an administrative role. The Bible speaks of the five-fold ministry—pastor, apostle, prophet, teacher, and evangelist—yet the bishop is not included in that list, as their function is primarily administrative. With this new title comes greater responsibility. We now oversee the Global Apostolic Diocese of Ceylon. Sri Lanka has thousands of free churches, and we are open to pastors who seek spiritual covering and guidance. The Miracle Dome has now become the Bishop’s Cathedral, and with this new role, we have the opportunity to provide fatherly guidance and spiritual assistance to pastors across the nation.
How do you plan to forge relationships with other Christian denominations and clergy members?
Building relationships with other Christian denominations and clergy members has always been a goal of mine. I am not someone who seeks conflict. The Bible teaches that a man of God should not be a striker, meaning we should not respond to aggression with aggression or seek revenge.
There was a time when the church appreciated the version of me they knew. However, in 2018, I made certain changes to align with the global vision I felt called to pursue. Unfortunately, these changes were not well received by some of the larger churches, and since then, it has been an uphill battle to help others understand my path and mission. Despite this, my desire has always been for a united church. I have never turned away from anyone who has come to me in goodwill.
To demonstrate my openness, I personally sent invitations to all denominations and church leaders, inviting them to the bishop’s convocation. My intention was to honor them and show that I see myself as part of the larger body of Christ. Sadly, none of them responded.
This, however, is not a reflection of my unwillingness to connect; rather, I believe it highlights a reluctance from others to engage with the work God has called me to do. That being said, I remain open and available. If anyone is willing to engage in conversation or collaboration, I am more than happy to work together.
What would be your message to them?
I consider myself a brother to all, and I believe that if others come closer, they will see the abundance of fruit that God has produced through my ministry. Even Jesus had to approach the fig tree before He cursed it for not bearing fruit. He didn’t curse it from a distance. He was hungry, saw the tree, and approached it. But when He found no fruit, He declared that it would never bear fruit again. Today, many of my brothers and sisters from other denominations are judging me from afar, which is not the wisest approach. My message to them is simple: “Come and see.” Draw near and get a better understanding before passing judgment.
On a lighter note, it’s like cricket commentators who often criticize the players on the field without truly understanding the conditions or the effort required. Only the player in the game truly knows what is at stake. In the same way, my message remains: “Come and see.” Get closer to the tree to make a fair judgment, rather than criticizing from a distance.
Now that you spoke the words come and see,’ which is the title of the Sinhala song that your ministry recently produced, what inspired you to develop such a song and its tune?
I’m always thinking about ways to make it easier, non- threatening, and non-offensive for people to come to Jesus. My mind is constantly in strategic mode. One day, while driving home, I recalled the words of Jesus to John the Baptist and his disciples, who were curious about His life. Jesus simply said, “Come and see.”When this resonated in my spirit, I knew I had to use it.
In less than 24 hours, I had written the song ‘Awith Balanna’ (Come and see). I shared the lyrics with my team and guided them on the melody. Within a day, the song was ready. It was inspired by a desire to invite people to experience Jesus in a way that feels welcoming and accessible.
How has the response been?
It’s become the song of the year. Many people know it, even non-Christians.
It is good marketing.
It is indeed a strategic approach. Some may question why we are using secular methods within the church, but marketing, at its core, is about creating demand. Even Jesus practiced this. In marketing, you use techniques to generate interest and demand for what you are offering, and Jesus was the master at this. He created a demand for His Gospel, even though His message was far from the accepted norms of the time. He faced opposition from the Pharisees, the Sadducees, and the Jewish traditions. Here was someone claiming to be the Son of God, born of a virgin, and challenging the status quo.
From His birth to His teachings and miracles, Jesus strategically positioned Himself. He moved from one city to another, orchestrating His actions to fulfill God’s plan. His triumphant entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, with people waving palm branches and shouting “Hosanna,” was all part of a deliberate strategy. He knew when to act and how to capture the attention of the people. When He entered Jerusalem, everyone asked, “Who is this?”Through His actions, He created a demand and stirred curiosity about His identity.
So, looking back on your journey in ministry, what are some of the key lessons you’ve learned along the way?
I believe there is always something to learn from every experience. You can learn through observation, study, and personal experience. However, the most valuable lessons come from having a mentor. A good mentor can help you navigate trials, avoid mistakes, and save you from the pain that often comes with learning the hard way.
Growing up without a strong biological father figure, I came to understand early on that success requires guidance. Having a mentor is one of the most important lessons I’ve learned in my journey. A single, wise mentor or spiritual father can make all the difference in your growth and success.
How do you envision the role of the church in broader society? What do you believe is the most important way the church can contribute to Sri Lanka, the people of Sri Lanka?
The role of the church in broader society is to meet the practical needs of the people. Preaching alone is not enough; it must address the real challenges people face. The church should offer a message that goes beyond theology and doctrine, one that provides solutions to the everyday problems of life. This, in my view, is the broader role of the church. Practicality must be at the heart of everything the church does—whether it’s feeding the hungry, serving the community, or fulfilling societal needs.
In our church, we allocate over 50 million rupees annually for charitable initiatives. We feed the poor, support hospitals, care for widows, provide stationery for children, and assist schools, regardless of their religious affiliation. We aim to put our faith into action. I believe the church across Sri Lanka should adopt a similar approach.
Our outreach programs are carried out through the Prophet Jerome Fernando Charity Foundation. This foundation includes doctors working in government hospitals, executives in the marketplace, and self-employed individuals who generously volunteer their time and skills to serve others. It’s a practical expression of our spiritual commitment to the community.
So, what vision do you have for the future of your ministry and the church? How do you plan to address your congregation’s growing needs?
The vision for the future of my ministry and the church is to remain relevant. Relevance is the key to staying effective and impactful. It means staying updated with current information and being sensitive to the needs of people. I plan to stay relevant globally by addressing key issues and offering prophetic insights, such as predicting the next president of a country. To remain relevant, we must speak to the things people are seeking answers to.
Locally, I aim to contribute to Sri Lanka’s economy. Since the Miracle Dome’s inception, over 4,000 international visitors have come to Sri Lanka to see me, with half of them visiting the country for the first time. I plan to host international conferences that draw people to Sri Lanka, boosting tourism and contributing to the nation’s economy. My goal is to stay relevant both locally and globally. Additionally, I want to continue meeting the diverse needs of the people. Every person who attends a service at the Miracle Dome does so with a specific need, and a good minister must be attuned to that. These needs aren’t always financial—they could be psychological or emotional, or even something not immediately obvious. The key is to stay relevant and responsive to these needs as we move forward.
Now you spoke about prophecy. Why is it so important?
In its essence, prophecy is God’s voice in the present moment. It reveals what God is saying right now. While prophecy often has a predictive element, it is not merely a prediction in the traditional sense. If someone were to sit before me and ask what God is saying, I could speak to their past, present, and the circumstances they are currently facing. To change the future, decisions must be made. This is the heart of prophecy— being attuned to the past, present, and future, all at once. Prophecy is crucial; without it, the church becomes spiritually deaf. When the church stops hearing God’s voice in the present moment, it becomes difficult to lead and guide.
What if your critics were to say that people come just for that?
They’re not wrong. Prophecy is a powerful and captivating gift, one that naturally draws people in. It’s an incredible tool for building faith, as it reveals personal insights that no one else could know. The purpose of using this gift isn’t to attract more people to myself, but to demonstrate that there is a God who speaks and knows each person intimately. Prophecy serves to reassure people of God’s presence and involvement in their lives. While my critics may be correct in their observation, the underlying motivation for me is to use prophecy to lead people to the reality of God’s voice.
So, in all this, how do you respond to people asking questions about suffering?
Suffering is at the heart of my message. It all began with a four-letter word—pain. If people were to come and see, they’d understand that I am deeply sensitive to the suffering of others. This is why my services often last for six hours. After four hours, the congregation is free to leave, but many stay behind to allow me to assist those in need. I spend time with the dying, the broken, the wounded, the lost, and the shattered. I do this because I understand pain personally. That’s why Jesus remains relevant today—he was moved by compassion when he saw the suffering of the crowds. A true minister of the Gospel should be able to feel and empathize with others’ pain, and that keeps me grounded and relevant.
One of the reasons I speak extensively about money is to help people overcome financial struggles. I share skills, training, and insights to empower people to build wealth and escape poverty. Some criticize me for writing numerous books on financial matters, but I do this with the intention of helping people rise above their circumstances. Why is prosperity so important for Christians? Because only those with wealth have the capacity to help the poor in meaningful ways. It’s not about greed or covetousness—it’s about having the resources to make a true difference. The reality is that without a certain level of wealth, your ability to influence the world is limited.
How do you explain the will of God to your congregation today?
It was Mary’s “yes” to God’s invitation to bear the Messiah that we celebrate today. She was a young girl, likely planning her own future, when her life was interrupted by God’s call. She could have resisted, but instead, she discerned God’s perfect will for her life and said yes. I, too, look back at key moments in my life, such as the 33 days I spent in jail, and see them as part of God’s perfect will for me. I can now see that even my injury at 19, when I fractured my left index finger while playing for Sri Lanka, was part of God’s plan, leading me to where I am today.
God’s will has three dimensions: His good will, His acceptable will, and His perfect will. Depending on how someone has renewed their mind, they can discern whether something is good, acceptable, or perfect. Our choices fall within these three levels. Even if people can’t clearly hear God’s voice, they still have a conscience that guides them toward decisions that align with His will. God’s will is not automatic. Mary could have said no, which would have delayed God’s plan. When people question delays in their lives, it’s often because they said no when they should have said yes.
How do you want people to remember you and your ministry?
I want people to remember me as a man of God who revealed a side of Jesus that many had never seen before. I hope they’ll say, “Thank God Jerome Fernando was there. If it weren’t for him, we wouldn’t have understood how Jesus truly looked or experienced a side of God we hadn’t known before.”
Since the Miracle Dome began, over 4,000 international visitors have come to Sri Lanka, half of whom are first-time visitors.I plan to host international conferences that draw people to Sri Lanka, boosting tourism and contributing to the nation’s economy.
Your church has attracted people from various walks of life, including top businesspeople and corporate executives. How do you draw them in and keep them engaged?
First and foremost, I thank God that I didn’t begin my journey in Bible school. I started in the marketplace, working at MAS Holdings on the factory floor for five years before moving on to run my own buying office. This experience gave me a deep understanding of the challenges of the marketplace, which can be a brutal, competitive space. So when I preach, my message resonates with people in the corporate world because I address practical issues like money, business, survival in the marketplace, and success. I talk about prosperity, influence, and impact—topics that are significant to professionals. That’s why many people from the business world have grown alongside me in this church.
Additionally, I run online schools focused on business and finance, and I’m a triple PhD holder, which lends credibility to what I teach. However, more than my academic qualifications, I bring biblical wisdom that I’ve received through the Spirit of God. I teach subjects like money, purpose, finance, business, spirituality, and wisdom. Those who enroll in my programs realize they are learning from a relevant leader and mentor. They come as executives, but many I’ve raised to become CEOs. Some of them are now influential giants in the corporate world. These individuals are in search of wisdom. When they hear me speak, they recognize the gap in their knowledge and wisdom. Just like the Queen of Sheba traveled thousands of miles to hear King Solomon’s wisdom, today’s professionals are willing to go to great lengths to hear someone speak words of wisdom. There are many wise writings in the world, but people now seek a living voice that speaks to them directly and demonstrates the power of that wisdom in their lives.
I cannot claim this wisdom as my own; it was a gift I received at 16 when I encountered the Lord. On that day, I received the spirit of wisdom, which has continued to grow in me ever since. I’m thankful for Saint Peter’s College, but the wisdom I have now didn’t come from there, nor did it come from my parents. It came from a prayer my mother prayed over me and my brother, asking God not for riches, but for wisdom. God answered that prayer, and it is this wisdom that draws people to my ministry.
We are reaching over a hundred nations, and I run international visitor programs four or five times a year, with 200 participants per program. These visitors cover their own travel and accommodation costs. Through these programs, I have raised pastors and sent them out to plant churches in other countries. We’ve helped establish and register churches worldwide. With the Global Apostolic Diocese now under my leadership as bishop, churches in Sri Lanka can join us for spiritual covering.
About a year and seven months ago, when the CID began investigating us, they found we had 18,000 followers. Since then, that number has grown to over 100,000, although not all of them gather in one location. The Miracle Dome can hold about 6,000 people, and our other branch churches can accommodate around 4,000. Across Sri Lanka, there are nearly 100,000 followers spread out across the country.
I was also honored to receive a congratulatory message from Donald Trump’s spiritual advisor when I was ordained as a bishop. America, being a Christian nation, was founded on biblical values, and it is crucial to have a president who upholds these values. I believe that President Trump’s return to power was part of God’s plan, and his survival after an assassination attempt was a testament to God’s will. When a leader, such as President Trump, openly asks for prayer and acknowledges the need for God’s guidance, it is a powerful witness to the world. As the Bible says, those who acknowledge Jesus before others will be acknowledged by God before the entire world. That is why President Trump is where he is today.
Whatever good you do, criticism and vilification seem to follow you. Why do Sri Lankans feel threatened by you? Sri Lanka is home to the brightest smiles and the most exceptional hospitality in the world. We have a beautiful, multifaceted culture. But the soul of the nation remains poor. This refers to the country’s collective attitude. A nation’s altitude—how far it can prosper—depends on the mindset of its people. I love the United States because its people are brilliant and courteous. Their character makes visiting the country a rewarding experience. But no matter how great a country is, it cannot thrive if its people are consumed by negativity. What’s the point of having a world wonder if a dishonest tour guide is leading the way? Such attitudes could deter visitors.
The soul of our people needs transformation. Some of the challenges I’ve faced stem from this. For example, when I compared Christ to other religions, people misunderstood my message. I wasn’t disrespecting or dishonoring other faiths. If you listen to my words in context, as they are still available on YouTube, you will understand my intent. But when people’s souls are clouded with negativity, they will take a brief moment of a message and twist it. This is why social media has such a strong influence in Sri Lanka today. Unfortunately, people are drawn to bad news, which only fuels division.
How can we change this?
We need to begin by changing the soul of our people, starting in schools. The subjects currently taught in schools are outdated and irrelevant. If the President were to ask for my advice, I would suggest revising the national curriculum. We need to introduce new subjects that focus on leadership, personality development, and personal growth. However, there’s a challenge here: we don’t have enough qualified teachers to teach these subjects. Therefore, the shift must start at the grassroots level, beginning with our schools. Churches and religious institutions can play a crucial role in helping to shape the people’s character, guiding them towards a more positive and compassionate mindset.
Since you have a significant following of corporate executives, what would be your advice to them?
Sri Lanka’s economy is too small to be a thriving marketplace on its own. Our businesses need to think beyond our borders. If local conglomerates and large business leaders continue to treat the Sri Lankan rupee as if it were the dollar, they will limit their potential. We must broaden our thinking. Entrepreneurs must take their businesses global. The way to truly bless our nation is to expand beyond it, as we’ve seen with brands like Dilmah and Spa Ceylon. These companies have taken their products and their influence worldwide. For this to happen, the government must develop a financial system that enables and encourages these changes. The future of our economy depends on the ability of entrepreneurs to think beyond the island. If corporate leaders in Sri Lanka adopt a global mindset, the country will be in a much stronger position five years from now.
Are you controversial, or have people made you into a controversy?
I am controversial, but I am not ambiguous. While controversy often surrounds me, my message remains clear. Controversy and success go hand in hand. You cannot name a successful global leader who hasn’t been contentious in some way. The moment you achieve success, gain influence, and make an impact, those who are not at that level may struggle to understand you and will likely protest. The mistake many great leaders make in an effort to avoid controversy is surrounding themselves only with people who agree with them. Jesus was truthful, and His message was controversial.
You have reached the pinnacle of your journey in less than two decades, while even the top executives and educated people struggle to get the zenith in their careers. What is the reason for this?
There is both a spiritual and a natural answer to your question. The spiritual answer is the grace of God. It’s the divine ability He grants to a person to do what others cannot. I recognized this early on and chose to remain humble. Humility is key because God doesn’t give this grace to the proud; He gives it to the humble. I am aware of my limitations and weaknesses—there are things I simply cannot do. I could never have built the Miracle Dome on my own, and I knew that. So, I prayed for God to allow me to accomplish something no other Christian has done.
The natural answer lies in capacity—physical, spiritual, and emotional. Everyone has a certain level of each. I recognized when I needed to increase my capacity in all these areas. Some people may possess spiritual capacity but lack physical or emotional strength, while others might excel in one area but not the others. I have worked to build my physical, spiritual, and emotional capacity. However, having capacity alone is not enough to achieve something significant. There is always a cost. Nothing in life is free.
So, why haven’t others been able to achieve what you’ve done?
When it comes to the cost, many people have looked at it and thought, “I don’t think I can pay the price.” But I made a different decision—I said, “I will pay the cost.” That’s what has brought me to where I am today.
You mention humility, but Sri Lankans, in general, don’t seem to exhibit this trait. Why is that?
This is one of the failings of our country. The reason many Sri Lankans are proud is because of their poverty. It may sound paradoxical, but poor people often have a great deal of pride. Just think of someone begging on the streets—they often have a sense of entitlement, demanding that they be given something. On the other hand, wealthy individuals are not proud in the same way; they are confident. To acquire wealth, one must first be humble. Pride stems from a spirit of entitlement, and that mindset is rooted in poverty. There is this prevailing belief that the government must provide everything for the people. This mentality contributes to the pride that holds people back. Sri Lanka has struggled not just because of failed leadership, but because of a collective failure at all levels of society.
But today, we find ourselves in a new season. Why is that?
We are now entering a new era. Our new President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, possesses a conscience—one that guides him to do what is right. I prophesied his victory—not just once, but six times, and you can find the videos on YouTube. Our President is someone who seeks righteousness, even though he is not a Christian. He is focused on doing the right thing: saving money, cutting waste, and caring for the poor. These are all biblical principles. When the righteous are in power, there is hope for a nation. His concern for the underprivileged signals a brighter future for Sri Lanka, and that’s why we can now look forward to a more hopeful tomorrow.
