Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple

Pallegama Hemarathana, a 71-year-old senior Buddhist monk, has become the subject of significant news due to allegations of child sexual abuse. He is accused of abusing an 11-year-old girl in 2022. In response to these serious accusations, Sri Lanka's Buddhist hierarchy has taken rare disciplinary action, suspending him and stripping him of his responsibilities. Authorities subsequently arrested Hemarathana at a private hospital in Colombo where he was receiving treatment. This case marks one of the highest-profile instances involving clergy in Sri Lanka, drawing national attention to the issue of abuse within religious institutions. The developments highlight a critical moment for the Buddhist hierarchy in addressing such allegations and maintaining public trust.