Sri Lankan monk abuse case draws global attention after AP and AFP report bail granted to Pallegama Hemarathana Thero.
Sri Lankan monk abuse allegations involving Atamasthanadhipathi Pallegama Hemarathana Thero have now drawn major international media attention.
The case concerns the arrest of Pallegama Hemarathana Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura, over the alleged abuse of a minor girl.
His appearance before court yesterday (22) has resulted in the incident being reported internationally as a confirmed news story.
The coverage by AP and AFP news agencies has led several global media outlets to report the matter, citing those international networks.
Many of those reports stated that a senior Buddhist monk arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing a minor girl was released on bail by a Sri Lankan court on Friday.
They also reported that the incident has caused strong controversy and heated debate within Sri Lankan society, where Buddhism is the main religion.
The accused is 71-year-old Pallegama Hemarathana Thero.
He was arrested earlier this month on allegations of abusing a 14-year-old girl.
The girl’s mother was also arrested along with him on allegations of aiding and abetting the monk’s actions.
The court had earlier ordered that the suspect monk be remanded for further questioning.
However, citing health issues, he had reportedly spent the entire period in hospital.
Screenshots of several international reports connected to the case have also been published.
This Priest has disgraced the Buddhist religion. This kind of behaviour cannot be tolerated at all. The little girl needs protection and counselling to get over this heinous crime against her