COLOMBO: Sri Lankan authorities have arrested a senior Buddhist monk over allegations of sexual abuse involving a minor, in one of the most high-profile cases involving clergy in the country.
According to Beyond Time News, police confirmed the arrest of 71-year-old Pallegama Hemarathana following an ongoing investigation into an alleged incident dating back to 2022.
Arrest Made in Colombo Hospital
Police said they arrested Hemarathana at a private hospital in Colombo, where he had gone for medical treatment. Investigators were already probing the allegations linked to an 11-year-old girl.
Authorities stated that the case is being handled under court supervision, and further legal action will follow instructions from the magistrate.
Alleged Incident Linked to Major Temple
Investigators said the alleged abuse took place at a prominent temple in Anuradhapura, located about 200 kilometres north of Colombo.
Hemarathana serves as the chief priest of the temple, which is considered highly significant in Sri Lanka’s Buddhist religious tradition.
Legal Action Also Against Mother of Victim
Police also confirmed the arrest of the victim’s mother. Authorities accused her of aiding and abetting in the case.
A court in Anuradhapura had already imposed a travel ban on the monk a day before his arrest.
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High-Profile Religious Figure
Hemarathana is also known as the custodian of a sacred tree believed to be linked to the ancient Bodhi tree in India. He oversees several important temples along a major Buddhist pilgrimage route.
Rare Case Involving Senior Clergy
While Sri Lanka has previously reported cases of misconduct involving members of the clergy, this case involves one of the most senior Buddhist monks to face such serious allegations.
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing, and the suspect will be presented before a court for further proceedings.
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