Senior Religious Cleric Arrested in Sri Lanka Over Alleged Sexual Abuse of Minor
A senior religious cleric and the mother of a 15-year-old girl have been arrested in Sri Lanka in connection with an alleged child sexual abuse case in Anuradhapura.
Dhiyanesh
A senior religious cleric in Sri Lanka has been arrested over allegations of sexually abusing a minor girl, according to police reports.
The arrested cleric, identified as Pallekama Hemarathna, aged 71, is reportedly the chief religious leader of a well-known temple in the country.
Police officials stated that the victim is a 15-year-old girl who was allegedly subjected to sexual abuse within a temple complex located in Anuradhapura.
Investigators revealed that the case was initially registered in March. Authorities further alleged that the girl’s mother may have been complicit in the abuse and involved in violence against the child.
Following the investigation, a magistrate court in Anuradhapura reportedly issued arrest warrants against both Hemarathna and the victim’s mother. Subsequently, both individuals were taken into custody by police.
The incident has generated shock and concern in Sri Lanka, especially due to the involvement of a senior religious figure in the case. Authorities stated that further investigations are ongoing.
