Former Anuradhapura Atamasthanadhipathi Ven. Pallegama Hemarathana Thera provided a blood sample to the Government Analyst on Tuesday (16) for a DNA test in connection with an ongoing investigation into the alleged abuse of a minor girl.
The blood sample was obtained after the monk was produced before the Department of the Government Analyst by a team of officers from the Nittambuwa Police, in compliance with an order issued by Anuradhapura Chief Magistrate on Friday (12).
The Chief Magistrate had directed the monk to provide a blood sample on June 16 and instructed the Government Analyst to submit the DNA test report to court once the examination is completed.
The order followed a further report filed by the Nittambuwa Police, who informed court that clothing allegedly buried and concealed by the girl had been sent to the Government Analyst on May 4 for forensic examination under a previous court order.
Police told court that DNA testing conducted on the clothing had revealed the presence of DNA alleles and sought an order to obtain a blood sample from the suspect monk for comparison purposes.
The DNA analysis is expected to determine whether the blood sample provided by the suspect matches the DNA evidence recovered from the clothing, with the findings to be submitted to court. (Newswire)
