Atamasthanadhipati Pallegama Hemarathana Thero has been suspended from his Chief Sanghanayaka position pending legal proceedings.
Atamasthanadhipati Pallegama Hemarathana Thero has been suspended from his Chief Sanghanayaka position with immediate effect by the Malwatta Maha Viharaya.
The decision was taken by the esteemed Karaka Maha Sangha Sabha, the Working Committee of Senior Monks of the Malwatta Maha Viharaya.
The Malwatta Maha Viharaya functions under the Malwatta chapter of the Mahaviharavanshika Syamopali Maha Nikaya.
The suspension applies to the position of Chief Sanghanayaka of the Nuwara Kalawiya region, which was held by Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana Thero.
He also serves as the Atamasthanadhipati, the Chief Custodian of the Eight Sacred Sites.
According to an official media release issued by the Malwatta Maha Viharaya, the decision takes effect immediately.
The action was taken by the Karaka Maha Sangha Sabha in accordance with the powers vested in it.
The suspension will remain in place pending the conclusion of ongoing legal proceedings regarding the charges leveled against Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana Thero.
It will continue until a final decision is reached.
The Karaka Maha Sangha Sabha of the Malwatta Maha Viharaya considered the charges and summoned the relevant parties.
After examining the matter, the decision was reached at a meeting held on May 30, 2026.
In light of the situation that has arisen, and according to the decision of the Atamasthana Committee, a temporary appointment has also been made.
Venerable Ethalawetunuwewa Gnanathilaka Nayaka Thero has been appointed to oversee the duties of the Atamasthanadhipati position.
He is a member of the Atamasthana Committee.
He also serves as the Chief Sanghanayaka of the North Central Province and the Ruwanweli Chaithya Ramadhikari, the Custodian of Ruwanwelisaya.
The media release was issued under the signature of the Secretary of the Malwatta Maha Viharaya.
It was signed by Venerable Dr. Pahamune Dharmakeerthi Sri Saranankara Sumangala Nayaka Thero.
The release was issued in accordance with the decree of the most honorable Maha Nayaka Thero of the Malwatta Maha Viharaya chapter.
