Pallegama Thero is now at the National Hospital

Anuradhapura Atamasthanadhipathi Pallegama Hemarathana Thero, who is currently in remand custody on charges of severely sexually abusing a minor girl, was ordered today to be produced before the Anuradhapura Chief Magistrate's Court on the 22nd. Anuradhapura Chief Magistrate Siyapath Sasindu Wickramarathne issued this order to the Superintendent of the Colombo Remand Prison today, May 15th, when the case was called, instructing that the suspect Thero, who is currently receiving inpatient treatment at the Colombo National Hospital, be produced before the court on that day.

The most serious charge related to this crime has been leveled against the mother of the minor victim girl, who is currently in remand custody for selling her daughter for money and intentionally handing her over to the suspect Thero for sexual abuse. Today, attorney Pradeep Dissanayake, appearing on her behalf, requested the court to release her on any strict bail condition. However, considering the facts presented and the serious nature of the charges, the Chief Magistrate vehemently rejected the bail application and ordered the suspect mother to be further remanded until the 22nd.

When the case was recalled before the Anuradhapura Chief Magistrate's Court, Nittambuwa Police presented a further report clarifying the facts, stating that the preliminary investigations related to this incident have now been completely concluded. The police further informed the court that all relevant extracts and documents pertaining to the investigations have been forwarded to the Attorney General for advice on further legal action. It was emphasized that the judicial procedure remains at a critical stage pending the Attorney General's advice in this complex legal process.

Prison officials also informed the court about the current health condition of the first suspect, Pallegama Hemarathana Thero. Prison authorities, presenting a special medical report sent by the Superintendent of Colombo Magazine Prison through Anuradhapura Prison Superintendent Mr. Prasad Prematilake, stated that the suspect Thero is currently undergoing a series of specialized medical examinations at the Colombo National Hospital. The court was also informed that, according to these medical reports, he remains at a level where he requires further inpatient treatment.

President's Counsel Kalinga Indatissa, appearing for the first suspect Thero, stated that no bail application would be made on behalf of his client today. Instead, he made a special request to the court, asking for an order to the police to make the ongoing investigations related to this incident more efficient and expeditious. The Magistrate, having considered the submissions of both the defense lawyers and the prosecution, fixed May 22nd for the next hearing of the case and ruled that the first suspect must be produced before the court on that day, and the second suspect (female) should remain in prison until then.

A group of high-ranking police officers, including Nittambuwa Headquarters Chief Police Inspector P.M. Anura Gunawardena, appeared for this trial. Police Inspector Vinishiya Premaratne, OIC of the Gampaha Division Police Children and Women's Bureau, and Police Inspector Vasundara Gunaratne, OIC of the Nittambuwa Police Children and Women's Bureau, also presented facts as investigating officers. Additionally, Anuradhapura Headquarters Chief Police Inspector R.M. Jayaweera and Sub-Inspector A.C. Dayananda, the case operations officer of the Children and Women's Bureau of that police station, also assisted in conducting this case.

This sensitive case has generated significant public discussion, with many closely watching how the law will be applied concerning the serious allegations against a religious leader and a mother facilitating the abuse of her own daughter. The future legal course of this incident will be determined after the suspect Thero is produced before the court on the upcoming 22nd.

The court emphasized the need for a quality and transparent investigation, reiterating the police's responsibility, especially regarding the protection of the victim girl and ensuring justice. The future of this case will be determined by the indictments to be filed based on the Attorney General's advice, and the officers representing the victim party are scheduled to report on the progress of their investigations at the next court hearing.

Due to the involvement of a prominent figure from a sacred site like the Atamasthana in Anuradhapura city, this case is being heard under special security arrangements, demonstrating that judicial proceedings are conducted in a manner that confirms the equal application of the law to all. A notable feature here was the court's decision not to adopt any lenient policy given the seriousness of the crime and its commission against a minor child. The medical condition of Pallegama Hemarathana Thero, as well as the legal status regarding the bail of the second suspect (female), are scheduled to be critically examined at the next court hearing.

Overall, this incident highlights a new dimension in child protection and the rule of law in Sri Lanka, once again demonstrating through this trial that any person, regardless of their status, is accountable before the law. It is expected that justice will be served for the victim girl through this joint operation carried out by the Nittambuwa and Anuradhapura police teams, and the entire nation's attention is focused on the trial scheduled for the upcoming week.