Sri Lankan Monks
Major scandal rocks Sri Lanka: Senior Buddhist monk arrested over child abuse allegations
Sri Lankan authorities have arrested a senior Buddhist monk for allegedly sexually abusing a minor girl, according to media reports.
According to The Daily Mirror, Pallegama Hemarathana was arrested while receiving treatment at the emergency unit of a private hospital in Colombo. His arrest came after a Sri Lankan court issued warrants against him.
Anuradhapura Chief Magistrate Siyapath Sasidu Wickramaratne has also imposed a strict foreign travel ban on the religious leader, with immigration authorities instructed to prevent any attempt to leave the country, the newspaper reported.
The case stems from a complaint lodged with the Nittambuwa Police on March 6, 2026, initially relating to the abduction and unlawful detention of a minor girl.
The initial suspect was subsequently arrested, while the victim was placed in a care centre in Ragama for protection.
During the course of the investigation, the victim later disclosed a history of alleged sexual abuse she had endured.
So far, three people have been arrested in connection with the case.
The victim’s mother has also been taken into custody on charges of aiding and abetting the alleged offence.
The investigation is ongoing as Sri Lankan authorities continue to probe the case.
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