Compiled by Sunanda Deshapriya
- Arrest of the Former Chief Prelate and Custodian of the Atamasthana
On 09 May 2026, Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana Thero, the 71-year-old Chief Prelate and custodian of the Atamasthana (the eight sacred Buddhist sites) in Anuradhapura, was arrested over allegations of the repeated rape and sexual abuse of a minor girl. According to the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA), the alleged abuse began in 2022 when the victim was 11 years old. The investigation commenced after a complaint was lodged with the Nittambuwa Police concerning the girl’s abduction and unlawful detention. The victim is currently 15 years old.
- Initial Complaint and Early Evidence Ignored
A Judicial Medical Officer examined the child by 10 April and reportedly found evidence of prolonged abuse dating back to when she was 12 years old. Despite the seriousness of these findings, police failed to take prompt action. This early inaction reflects a failure to prioritise child protection and initiate urgent criminal procedures. The delay allowed the alleged perpetrator to remain free and raises concerns regarding compliance with basic investigative standards.
- Nearly One-Month Delay in Arrest
Approximately 28 days elapsed between the child’s statement and the arrest of the suspect on 09 May 2026. During this period, the suspect was permitted to remain in a private hospital and no decisive law enforcement action was taken. The arrest occurred only after intervention by the National Child Protection Authority through the courts. Given the gravity of the allegations, the delay has been widely viewed as unjustifiable. It has also raised concerns about institutional reluctance to act against a highly influential religious figure and undermined confidence in the equal application of criminal law.
- Failure to Notify Child Protection Authorities
Police reportedly failed to promptly notify the NCPA and, according to some accounts, withheld information for nearly two weeks. This delayed the involvement of the statutory body responsible for child protection and oversight of such investigations. The lapse undermined the coordinated response required in cases involving minors, where immediate protective intervention is essential. It also highlights weaknesses in inter-agency cooperation and compliance with legal obligations relating to child protection.
- Inability to Address Child Abuse in Religious Institutions
In Sri Lanka, there is no minimum age requirement for the ordination of male children as monks. Children as young as five years old may be ordained as novice monks. Allegations of child abuse within temples have been reported over many years. In colloquial Sinhala, sexual abuse between men is sometimes referred to as පන්සලේ සෙල්ලම (“Game of the Temple”), reflecting the extent to which such abuse has become socially recognised. Despite this, the Buddhist hierarchy as an institution has taken little visible action to address or confront abusive practices within religious settings.
- Police Inaction Despite Prima Facie Evidence
Court submissions indicated that substantial evidence existed at an early stage of the investigation, including medical findings and the victim’s testimony. Despite this, police did not arrest the suspect and reportedly released him after recording a statement. NCPA officials informed court that they had to “whip the police” into taking action. This apparent reluctance represents a departure from ordinary criminal procedure, where such evidence would normally justify immediate arrest and further inquiry. It raises serious concerns regarding impartiality and whether the suspect’s status influenced police conduct.
- Delayed Crime Scene and Forensic Investigation
Key investigative steps, including a crime scene visit, were delayed until late April and were conducted only after NCPA intervention. Evidence, including clothing allegedly connected to the abuse, was recovered at that stage. Such delays risk compromising the integrity of evidence, weakening prosecutions, and causing the loss of important forensic material. The failure to follow standard investigative timelines raises concerns regarding the professionalism and urgency of the investigation in a case involving a minor victim.
- Judicial Intervention Required for Basic Law Enforcement Action
Routine law enforcement measures, including the arrest of the suspect and the imposition of travel restrictions, were only carried out after the NCPA sought court intervention. The Magistrate’s Court subsequently ordered the arrest and imposed a travel ban. Reports also indicate that repeated court inquiries were necessary before suspects were formally identified. This reliance on judicial prompting suggests that ordinary policing mechanisms were insufficient to ensure accountability and that enforcement depended heavily on external pressure rather than standard procedural compliance.
- Power Imbalance and Institutional Deference
The accused monk occupies one of the most influential religious positions in Sri Lanka and holds considerable social and political influence. Legal observers have noted that the case demonstrates the stark imbalance between power and vulnerability, with institutions appearing hesitant to act against a high-status religious figure. The victim, a minor with limited support, stands in sharp contrast to a well-connected suspect backed by extensive legal representation. This disparity raises broader concerns about equality before the law and the extent to which institutional deference may affect the administration of justice.
- Lack of Legal Support for the Victim
More than twenty lawyers, including a President’s Counsel, appeared on behalf of the accused monk, while the child was represented primarily by a small number of volunteer lawyers and a female lawyer from the Child Protection Authority. The Attorney General’s Department was reportedly absent during court proceedings. Several senior Buddhist monks were also present in court in support of the accused.
- Weak Victim Protection Framework
The arrest of the victim’s mother as a co-accused created uncertainty regarding the child’s guardianship and legal representation. Reports indicate a lack of clarity as to who was responsible for safeguarding the child’s welfare and legal interests. Broader systemic problems further compound the issue, including significant delays in child abuse prosecutions and large case backlogs. These weaknesses risk re-traumatising victims and discouraging reporting, highlighting the urgent need for stronger victim-centred protections within Sri Lanka’s legal system.
- Pattern of Delayed Justice in Child Abuse Cases
This case reflects a broader national pattern in which child abuse allegations are frequently delayed or inadequately investigated. Civil society organisations have repeatedly criticised slow police responses and the low rate at which cases progress through the courts. Tens of thousands of child abuse complaints reportedly remain unresolved nationwide, pointing to deep structural inefficiencies. The delays in this high-profile case reinforce concerns that institutional weaknesses and external pressures continue to obstruct justice, particularly where influential suspects are involved.
- Failure of Mainstream Media Accountability
A further concern has been the limited and cautious reporting by mainstream media despite the seriousness of the allegations. Observers note that coverage has often been muted, fragmented, or delayed, with some outlets focusing more on the status of the monk than on the child victim or the investigative failures. This contrasts with the role played by independent journalists and alternative media in drawing attention to the case. The reluctance of mainstream media to critically examine powerful religious figures reflects broader structural pressures, including deference to authority, fear of backlash, and self-censorship. Such silence weakens democratic accountability and reduces public scrutiny of institutional failures.
- Rule of Law Under Strain
Taken together, the events surrounding this case represent a significant test of Sri Lanka’s rule of law. Delays in police action, failures in institutional coordination, reliance on judicial intervention, and weak media scrutiny point to broader systemic shortcomings. Legal observers stress that the principle of equality before the law must be upheld visibly and consistently, particularly in cases involving powerful individuals. The case underscores the urgent need for reforms to ensure independent investigations, timely justice, and stronger child protection mechanisms. Without such reforms, public confidence in the justice system is likely to continue to erode.
(Compiled from published news sources.)