Prominent Buddhist Cleric Taken Into Custody
Sri Lankan authorities have arrested one of the country’s most senior Buddhist monks over allegations of sexually abusing an underage girl, creating shock across the nation’s religious community.
Police confirmed that 71-year-old Pallegama Hemarathana was detained while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo. Investigators say the alleged abuse took place in 2022 at a well-known temple in Anuradhapura, a major religious city located north of the capital.
Officials stated that the monk will be presented before a magistrate as the investigation continues. The case has quickly become one of the highest-profile allegations involving a religious leader in Sri Lanka in recent years.
Court Action and Police Investigation
Authorities said the arrest came shortly after a local court imposed a travel restriction on the monk during the ongoing inquiry.
Police also arrested the girl’s mother on accusations of assisting or enabling the alleged abuse. Investigators have not publicly released many details about the case because of the victim’s age.
According to officials, the complaint initially involved claims related to the disappearance and detention of a minor before investigators uncovered additional allegations during the probe.
Religious Community Faces Public Scrutiny
Hemarathana is considered a highly influential religious figure in Sri Lanka. He reportedly oversees several important Buddhist temples and serves as the custodian of a sacred religious site connected to Buddhist history.
The arrest has sparked widespread discussion across the country, where Buddhist monks hold major social and cultural influence. While Sri Lanka has seen previous abuse accusations involving members of the clergy, officials say this case involves one of the most senior monks ever investigated for such allegations.
