Sri Lanka Arrests 71-Year-Old Chief Monk Over Alleged Rape of 15-Year-Old
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · May 10
Sri Lanka Arrests 71-Year-Old Chief Monk Over Alleged Rape of 15-Year-Old
5 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 10
Pallegama Hemarathana Thero, 71, was arrested at a private Colombo hospital and remanded over allegations he raped and sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl.
The arrest followed a submission from Sri Lanka's child protection authority, which had criticized police for failing to detain him despite naming him as a suspect.
A magistrate ordered the senior monk moved to Colombo prison hospital, barred him from leaving the country and set his next court appearance for May 12.
The girl's mother was also arrested and remanded after being charged with aiding and abetting the abuse.
The case is highly unusual in Sri Lanka because Hemarathana holds one of Buddhism's most revered posts as custodian of eight sacred sites.
Will a top monk's arrest finally break the 'culture of impunity' in Sri Lanka?
When a sacred guardian is accused of heinous crimes, who holds power accountable?
Breaking Religious Immunity: The Arrest of Atamasthanadhipathi Thero and Its Impact on Child Protection Laws in Sri Lanka
Overview
The arrest of Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana Thero, a highly respected Buddhist leader in Sri Lanka, began with an investigation into the alleged abduction and detention of a minor. As the inquiry expanded, serious charges were brought against the Thero, who was soon named a suspect. Delays in his arrest led to public criticism from the child protection authority and prompted a magistrate to order his immediate detention. This unprecedented event has sparked national debate about accountability in religious institutions and highlighted the urgent need for stronger child protection measures, challenging traditional reverence for religious leaders.