– The Chief Prelate of the Atamasthana, Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana Thero, has been arrested following serious allegations of sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl. The arrest took place while the monk was receiving treatment at the emergency unit of a private hospital in Colombo. Earlier, the Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court issued warrants for the arrest of the Chief Prelate and the victim’s mother. Additionally, Anuradhapura Chief Magistrate Siyapath Sasidu Wickramaratne has imposed a strict foreign travel ban on the Thero, with immigration authorities notified to prevent any attempt to leave the country.
The case originated from a complaint lodged with the Nittambuwa Police on March 6, 2026, initially regarding the abduction and detention of a minor. While an initial suspect was apprehended and the victim placed in a care center in Ragama, subsequent interviews with the girl revealed a history of prior sexual abuse.
To date, three individuals have been taken into custody in connection with the case. Among them is the victim’s mother, who was arrested on charges of aiding and abetting the offense.