A chief monk who abused a ten-year-old boy was sentenced to 24 years of rigorous imprisonment.

A chief monk of a temple in Sivalakulama, Galenbindunuwewa area, has been sentenced to 24 years of rigorous imprisonment for the serious sexual abuse of a ten-year-old boy who was entrusted to the temple by his parents for education. This verdict was announced by the former judge of the Anuradhapura Special High Court for Child Crimes, Mr. Ruwan Dhammika Dissanayake.

This prison sentence was imposed for the two indictments against the accused monk, with 12 years for each charge separately. In addition, the court ordered the payment of a compensation of Rs. 500,000 (Rs. 250,000 for each charge) to the victim child. If the said compensation is not paid, an additional two years of imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 3000 have been imposed. If the fine is not paid, the accused will be subject to another year of imprisonment.

This crime occurred between May 1st and 24th, 2015, at the Sri Seevali Chaithyaramaya Temple in Sivalakulama, Galenbindunuwewa. The Attorney General had filed this case against the 40-year-old chief monk under Section 365 A (2) A of the Penal Code of Sri Lanka. Government Attorney Chamika Guruge appeared for the prosecution, while former specialist Judicial Medical Officer of Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital, Dr. Harshana Mahendra Kumara Senanayake, officers of the Galenbindunuwewa Police, and the victim child were named as key witnesses.

As the accused monk continuously evaded court and absconded during the trial, the case was heard and this verdict was delivered in his absence. Since he did not appear in court on the day the verdict was announced, the High Court judge took steps to issue an open warrant to the Officer-in-Charge of the Galenbindunuwewa Police, instructing them to immediately arrest the accused and present him before the court.

It was further revealed during the court hearing that this monk, who was sentenced to imprisonment, had a criminal record from his lay life, having been convicted by court for housebreaking and robbery and having received suspended sentences.