Venerable Pallegama removed from the position of Chief Incumbent of Atamasthana and other offices

The Malwathu Maha Viharaya Karaka Maha Sangha Sabha has taken steps to immediately suspend all positions, including the "Chief Sanghanayake of Nuwara Kalawiya" title held by Ven. Pallegama Hemarathana Thero, who is accused of severely sexually abusing a 15-year-old minor girl. This decision was made according to the advice and guidance of the Mahanayake Thero of the Malwathu Chapter, and this suspension will remain in effect until the ongoing legal proceedings are concluded and a final verdict is reached.

A case is currently being heard at the Anuradhapura Magistrate's Court against Ven. Hemarathana Thero regarding the long-term abuse of this girl, who belongs to a family with severe economic difficulties in the Anuradhapura area, by exchanging her for money with the knowledge of her mother. Medical reports of the victim girl, records of telephone conversations, and circumstantial evidence from the crime scene have been presented for this case, which was directly filed by the National Child Protection Authority. Due to this, he is facing severe social criticism as well as a legal predicament.

The Venerable Karaka Maha Sangha Sabha of the Malwathu Maha Viharaya, paying special attention to these serious allegations, had previously summoned the relevant parties and conducted a comprehensive investigation by inquiring into the facts. Following this, the Karaka Maha Sangha Sabha, which convened on May 30, 2026, decided to immediately suspend all powers of the Sanghanayake position bestowed upon him, until the legal proceedings related to the disputed incident are concluded.

Meanwhile, in light of this exceptional situation that has arisen, the Atamasthana Committee has made a new temporary appointment to ensure the continuous and orderly functioning of the Atamasthanadhipathi position. Accordingly, acting in accordance with the directive of the Karaka Maha Sangha Sabha, steps have been taken to temporarily appoint Venerable Eethalawetunuwewe Gnanathilaka Nayaka Thero, the Chief Sanghanayake of the North Central Province and the Chief Incumbent of Ruwanweli Seya, to cover the duties of the Atamasthanadhipathi position.

This official media statement, issued by the direct order of the Most Venerable Mahanayake Thero of the Malwathu Maha Viharaya Chapter, has been officially signed by Venerable Pahamuṇē Dharmakeerthi Sri Saranankara Sumangala Nayaka Thero, the Registrar of the Malwathu Viharaya.