Buddhist monk arrested over alleged rape of teen in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's child protection authority has led to the arrest of Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana Thero, a high-ranking Buddhist monk and custodian of eight sacred sites, on charges of alleged rape and sexual assault of a 15-year-old girl. The arrest occurred on Saturday while the monk was receiving hospital treatment in Colombo, and he has been sent to remand prison. The child protection authority had previously criticized police for delays in his apprehension. The alleged victim's mother was also arrested and remanded on charges of aiding and abetting the abuse. Pallegama Hemarathana is scheduled to appear in court on May 12th, and authorities have been ordered to prevent him from leaving the country. This arrest is notable given the high status and societal veneration of Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka.

A senior Buddhist monk, 71-year-old Pallegama Hemarathana, was arrested on Saturday in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in connection with the alleged sexual abuse of an 11-year-old girl in 2022. The alleged incident occurred at a prominent temple in Anuradhapura, where Hemarathana serves as the chief priest. Police stated they are awaiting guidance from the magistrate regarding further actions. This arrest represents a high-profile case involving clergy in the country. Hemarathana was reportedly seeking treatment at a private hospital when he was apprehended.

Pallegama Hemarathana, the chief prelate of Colombo and a highly respected Buddhist monk, has been arrested in Sri Lanka for allegedly sexually abusing an 11-year-old girl. The alleged abuse occurred in 2022 at a temple in Anuradhapura. Authorities took the 71-year-old monk into custody from a hospital in Colombo on Saturday, following a criminal investigation. The victim's mother has also been arrested for aiding and abetting the alleged crime. This arrest marks the most senior monk to be accused of such offenses in Sri Lanka, a country that has seen previous cases of clergy abusing children. A foreign travel ban had been in place for Hemarathana prior to his detention.