CrimeHOTSaturday, May 9, 2026

Atamasthana Chief Prelate Arrested Over Allegations of Minor Abuse

TLDR

Atamasthana Prelate arrested over 15-year-old girl abuse.
Remanded until May 12th; foreign travel ban imposed.
May 12th: Re-remand order rejected by court.

Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana Thero, the Chief Prelate of Atamasthana, has been arrested in connection with allegations of sexually abusing an underage girl. The arrest took place while the Thero was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Colombo. The National Child Protection Authority had previously reported the matter to the Anuradhapura Magistrate's Court, which issued an order for his apprehension. The Minister of Public Security confirmed that the facts surrounding the arrest will be presented to the court. The victim girl is reportedly under court protection, and her mother and another individual have been arrested for aiding and abetting the alleged offense.

2 Updates

Update #3\u00b7 May 12 · 11:16 AM

On May 12th, the Anuradhapura Chief Magistrate rejected an order to re-remand the Atamasthana Chief Prelate, stating he could not issue such an order. The case was called in the Anuradhapura court on this date. Previously, a Colombo Additional Magistrate had ordered the prelate, who was receiving treatment at a private hospital, to be transferred to a prison hospital or Colombo National Hospital for treatment, as he could not remain at the private facility following the remand order.

Update #2\u00b7 May 9 · 1:16 PM

Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana Thera has been remanded until May 12th. He was arrested on May 8th while receiving treatment at a Colombo private hospital. The Colombo Fort Magistrate ordered the remand on May 9th. The arrest was previously ordered by the Anuradhapura Chief Magistrate over allegations concerning the sexual abuse of a 15-year-old girl. A foreign travel ban has also been imposed.

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