Atamasthana Chief Prelate Arrested Over Allegations of Minor Abuse

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.