Sri Lankan Buddhist monk arrested over alleged sex abuse of 11-year-old girl
71-year-old chief priest arrested; victim's mother also held for aiding the crime.
Sri Lankan police arrested Pallegama Hemarathana, a 71-year-old senior Buddhist monk, on Saturday for the alleged sexual abuse of an 11-year-old girl. The arrest took place at a private hospital in Colombo where he had sought treatment over the weekend. The alleged abuse occurred in 2022 at a highly venerated temple in Anuradhapura, around 200 km north of Colombo, where Hemarathana serves as chief priest. This is the most senior clergy member to face such charges in Sri Lanka.
The victim's mother has also been arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting the monk. The monk was taken into custody after a local court in Anuradhapura imposed a foreign travel ban on him a day earlier. Police stated they will be guided by the magistrate on further action, and the monk will be presented before a judge soon. The case marks a significant moment in Sri Lanka's handling of clergy-related abuse allegations.
- Pallegama Hemarathana, 71, is the most senior Buddhist monk ever accused of sexual abuse in Sri Lanka.
- The alleged abuse of an 11-year-old girl occurred in 2022 at a temple in Anuradhapura.
- The victim's mother was also arrested for aiding and abetting the monk.
Why It Matters
Highlights systemic clergy abuse issues in Sri Lanka and the legal system's response to powerful religious figures.