Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana Thera has been remanded until May 12 following his arrest in connection with the alleged abduction and sexual abuse of a minor girl.
Hemarathana Thera was arrested last night (May 8) while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo.
The Colombo Fort Magistrate today (May 9) ordered that the suspect be remanded in custody until May 12.
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. (Newswire)