Anuradhapura Atamasthanadhipathi Pallegama Hemarathana Thera, who is accused in a case involving the alleged sexual abuse of a minor girl, has been arrested while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala said.
The Minister said the monk is expected to be produced before court today (09).
Police had earlier confirmed that the Anuradhapura Chief Magistrate had ordered the arrest of Ven. Hemarathana Thera over allegations linked to the sexual abuse of a 15-year-old girl. The court had also imposed a foreign travel ban on the monk.
According to Police, the investigation began following a complaint lodged with the Nittambuwa Police on March 06, 2026, alleging that the minor had been abducted and detained.
During investigations, the victim had reportedly revealed details of an earlier incident of sexual abuse, prompting further inquiries by the Nittambuwa Police and the Women and Children’s Bureau under the supervision of senior officers in the Gampaha Division.
Police said the court later named Ven. Hemarathana Thera and the girl’s mother as suspects in the case.
The girl’s mother was arrested yesterday on allegations of aiding and abetting the offence and allegedly selling the child for money. She was remanded until May 15 after being produced before the Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court.
Further investigations are being conducted by the Nittambuwa Police Women and Children’s Bureau under the supervision of the Police and the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA).