By The Pulseline News Desk
The Anuradhapura Chief Magistrate’s Court decision to grant bail to Ven. Pallegama Hemarathana Thera, who is accused of sexually abusing a minor girl, has sparked intense debate on social media over justice, accountability, and the conduct of religious clergy.
The suspect was released on two personal sureties of Rs. 5 million each and a cash bail of Rs. 100,000. The magistrate had also imposed a foreign travel ban and warned that the bail would be revoked if any conditions were violated or if attempts were made to influence witnesses.
Ven. Hemarathana Thera was remanded until Friday (22) following his arrest by the Gampaha Division Police Children and Women’s Bureau. He was produced before the Anuradhapura Chief Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
While in remand custody, the monk had received treatment at the Colombo National Hospital before being transferred to the prison hospital on Thursday (21).
During earlier hearings, the court had directed state and major private banks to provide reports on bank accounts belonging to the victim’s mother to the Nittambuwa Police. Telecommunications providers were also ordered to submit analysis reports related to phone numbers allegedly linked to the suspect and the minor girl.
Police had informed the court that investigations had been completed and that extracts of the investigation had been forwarded to the Attorney General for legal advice.
The victim’s mother, who remains in remand custody, is accused of facilitating the abuse of her daughter in exchange for money. The court had rejected her bail request and ordered that she remain in custody until May 22.
Authorities have filed charges against Ven. Hemarathana Thera under sections of Sri Lanka’s Penal Code relating to rape and grave sexual abuse of a minor. The victim’s mother faces charges linked to human trafficking and aiding the alleged offences.
The case has triggered widespread public reaction online, with many members of the civil society and social media users questioning whether members of the clergy receive preferential treatment within the justice system. Others stressed the importance of allowing the legal process to proceed fairly while calling for stronger accountability mechanisms for religious figures accused of serious crimes.
The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) has said it is closely monitoring the case to ensure the protection of the minor victim’s rights and the proper conduct of legal proceedings.
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