Atamasthanadhipathi Ven. Pallegama Hemarathana Thera has strongly denied allegations that he sexually abused a 15-year-old girl, while the Anuradhapura Chief Magistrate on Tuesday declined to issue a fresh remand order against the suspect monk over legal procedural issues.
The development took place when the case was taken up before Anuradhapura Chief Magistrate Siyapath Sasindu Wickramaratne.
President’s Counsel Kalinga Indatissa, appearing for Ven. Hemarathana Thera, told court that his client firmly rejected the allegations of serious sexual abuse levelled against him.
During proceedings, prison officials informed court that the suspect monk, who is currently in remand custody under an order issued by Colombo Additional Magistrate’s Court No. 08, had not been produced before the Anuradhapura court due to health concerns.
The Magistrate stated that the Anuradhapura court had not received the formal remand order issued by the Colombo court and therefore he did not have the legal authority to issue a fresh remand order in the absence of the suspect being physically produced before court.
Accordingly, the Magistrate fixed the case for May 15 and ordered police to submit a progress report on the investigations.
Police informed court that statements from several more individuals were yet to be recorded as part of the ongoing investigation.
Prison officials also submitted a medical report stating that Ven. Hemarathana Thera was not in a condition suitable for long-distance transport and required further medical examinations.
The suspect monk was arrested on May 8 at a private hospital in Colombo following an arrest order issued by the Anuradhapura Chief Magistrate over allegations that he sexually abused a 15-year-old girl.
