Sexual Abuse by Sri Lankan Monk - International Community Triumphs

Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana Thero, the Chief Incumbent of Anuradhapura Jayasri Maha Bodhi Viharaya and Atamasthanadhipathi (Chief Prelate of the Eight Sacred Places), was arrested for abusing a minor girl. With his appearance in the relevant court case yesterday (22), this act of abuse has been reported as a confirmed news story in international media. Especially due to its reporting via AP and AFP news networks, international media worldwide have reported this incident to the world, quoting these networks, and in many of them, it is stated as follows.

"A senior Buddhist monk, who was arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing a minor girl, was released on bail by a Sri Lankan court on Friday. This incident has led to strong controversy and heated debate within the society of this country, where Buddhism is the main religion.

The monk accused is 71-year-old Pallegama Hemarathana Thero. He was arrested earlier this month on charges of abusing a 14-year-old girl. The mother of the girl was also arrested along with him on charges of aiding and abetting the monk's actions.

The court had previously ordered the suspect monk to be remanded for further questioning. However, citing health issues, he managed to spend the entire period in a hospital." Screenshots of several such reports are published herewith.