A collective statement has called for a fair and independent investigation into the serious abuse allegations against Anuradhapura Atamasthanadhipathi Pallegama Hemarathana Thera, stressing that the upcoming hearing on May 22 is not merely about one individual but a test of whether Sri Lanka’s law applies equally to the powerful and the powerless.
The statement highlights that according to information shared by the girl, she is alleged to have faced abuse from a very young age, a grave crime against a child and a moral failure of institutions meant to protect her.
It notes the stark imbalance of power between a highly influential religious figure and a vulnerable girl from a disadvantaged background, raising concerns about whether justice can be enforced without bias.
Public concern has intensified due to reports that police were reluctant to carry out the arrest order and that the suspect was kept in a private hospital even after arrest, creating perceptions of unequal treatment.
The statement stresses that this outcry stems from genuine fears that power, status, and institutional influence may interfere with the enforcement of the law.
It insists that no one should stand above the law, whether priest or layperson, and cites recent cases, including the Supreme Court ruling against a university professor found guilty of sexual abuse, as examples of the barriers victims face when challenging entrenched systems of power.
The demands outlined include:
- Independent Investigation free from political, religious, or institutional influence.
- Immediate Protection — legal, psychological, and social support for the girl.
- Justice Over Power — a legal process driven by truth and fairness rather than status.
The statement concludes that the government, which came to power promising safety and dignity for women and children, must now prove those promises were genuine by ensuring equal enforcement of the law. (Newswire)
