Pallegama Hemarathana

Pallegama Hemarathana, a 71-year-old senior Buddhist monk and the chief prelate of Colombo, has been arrested in Sri Lanka on allegations of sexually abusing an 11-year-old girl. The arrest, which occurred on Saturday, marks one of the highest-profile cases involving clergy in the country. Authorities apprehended Hemarathana at a private hospital in the capital, Colombo, where he had reportedly sought treatment. The investigation into the alleged abuse, which is said to have taken place in a temple, has brought significant attention to the religious community. This incident is noteworthy due to the senior position held by the accused within the Buddhist hierarchy and the sensitive nature of the charges.