A Senior Buddhist Monk Accused of Child Sexual Abuse Is Released on Bail in Sri Lanka
The case has stirred debate in a country where Buddhism is the main religion, and the monk is the custodian of eight ancient sites.
- On Friday, a Sri Lankan court in Anuradhapura released Rev. Pallegama Hemarathana on bail. The 71-year-old monk, custodian of eight ancient Buddhist sites, was arrested earlier this month on allegations of abusing a 14-year-old girl.
- Police arrested the monk alongside the girl's mother, who allegedly aided the abuse. The case has sparked intense debate, as more than 70% of Sri Lanka's 22 million people are Buddhists, and monks hold significant social influence.
- Attorney Mahesh Kotuwella, representing the monk, argued that groups harbor resentment. "The NGOs and anti-Buddhist groups act with the intention to provoke the society," he said, asserting intent to ensure prolonged detention.
- Activist Hemamali Abeyratne criticized authorities for siding with the accused, stating, "The question is not whether the accused is a monk, a school principal or an ordinary member of society, but only whether justice prevails." The group Women for Freedom held a silent protest outside the court.
- The case will return to court next month. The court previously ordered Hemarathana held in custody, though he spent that time hospitalized after citing health issues.
18 Articles
18 Articles
Associated Press News
A senior Buddhist monk accused of child sexual abuse is released on bail in Sri Lanka
A Sri Lankan court has released a senior Buddhist monk on bail after he was arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing a minor. Rev.
A senior Buddhist monk accused of child sexual abuse is released on bail in Sri Lanka
COLOMBO, May 23: A Sri Lankan court released on bail a senior Buddhist monk who was arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing a minor, in a case that has stirred heated debate in a country where Buddhism is the main religion. Pallegama Hemarathana, 71, was arrested earlier this month on allegations of abusing a 14-year-old girl. A court ordered him to be kept in custody for questioning, but he spent his time in a hospital, citing health issues.…
The Atamasthanadhipathi, the chief prelate of the Nuwara Eliya Kalaviya, was in the prison hospital after being accused of committing serious sexual abuse on a twelve-year-old girl.
Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana Thero, who is accused of sexually assaulting a minor girl, has been granted bail by the Anuradhapura Chief Magistrate’s Court. The court granted bail on two personal sureties of Rs. 5 lakh each and a cash surety of Rs. 1 lakh. The Magistrate warned that the bail order would be revoked if the bail conditions were violated or if witnesses were influenced. A travel ban was also imposed on the suspect. Venerable Hemar…
Court grants bail to Atamasthanadhipathi Pallegama Hemarathana Thera
The Anuradhapura Chief Magistrate’s Court has ordered the release on bail of Ven. Pallegama Hemarathana Thera, who is accused of sexually abusing a minor girl. The court granted bail on two personal sureties of Rs. 5 million each and a cash bail of Rs. 100,000. The magistrate warned that the bail order would be revoked if bail conditions were violated or if witnesses were influenced. A foreign travel ban was also imposed on the suspect. Ven. Hem…
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