COLOMBO — An international school principal accused of physically and sexually abusing an 11-year-old boarding student at a school in the Kesbewa area has been released on Rs. 200,000 bail after spending 17 days in remand custody, according to details contained in a report on the proceedings before the Kesbewa Magistrate’s Court.
Kesbewa Magistrate Janaka Samarasinha ordered the suspect’s release while police investigations into the allegations continue. The case is scheduled to be called again on December 1.
Investigators have reportedly informed the court that the suspect previously faced allegations involving child abuse in 2019 and subsequently changed his name through newspaper advertisements.
Police are also examining statements obtained from other children residing at the school’s boarding facility.
The allegations concern a man who reportedly held several positions at the institution, including principal, director, hostel warden, and teacher of science and mathematics.
Alleged Assault Led to Medical Examination
According to the account provided, the incident came to light on September 17, when the father of another student contacted the child’s father to inform him that the boy had suffered injuries to his hands following an alleged assault by the principal.
The father subsequently visited the school, collected his son and admitted him to a district general hospital for treatment.
During the examination, medical personnel reportedly identified injuries consistent with the alleged physical assault, including marks attributed to cane strokes and swelling extending along the child’s hands and forearms.
The Judicial Medical Officer also documented healed injuries that prompted further concern about possible sexual abuse.
On September 18, officers attached to the hospital police post recorded a statement from the child.
According to the report, the boy alleged that the principal had taken him to secluded areas of the school premises at night and subjected him to sexual abuse.
The child’s account was subsequently forwarded to Kesbewa Police, leading to the suspect’s arrest.
The allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial determination.
Police Report Previous Child Abuse Allegation
During subsequent investigations, police reportedly informed the court that the suspect had previously been arrested by Piliyandala Police on September 22, 2019, in connection with a similar allegation of child abuse.
Investigators further alleged that he later changed his name by placing advertisements in newspapers.
The available account does not establish whether the earlier arrest resulted in a prosecution, conviction or acquittal. An earlier arrest should not be interpreted as proof that the suspect committed an offence.
The circumstances surrounding the reported name change, including its timing and purpose, also remain matters requiring verification.
According to police, the suspect subsequently held several positions of responsibility at the international school, including oversight of its boarding arrangements and classroom teaching.
Statements Recorded From Other Boarding Students
Investigators have reportedly established that approximately ten additional children were residing at the school’s boarding facility.
Police obtained statements from three of those students, who were described in the source account as appearing frightened when providing information.
The contents of those statements have not been independently verified, and there is no established basis for concluding that any additional child was subjected to abuse.
Nevertheless, their accounts may assist investigators in determining the circumstances surrounding the complaint and whether further protective measures are necessary.
The case also involves allegations concerning the mother’s attempts to remove her son from the institution following the reported incidents.
According to the account, the suspect initially refused to permit the child’s withdrawal from the school.
The mother subsequently sought assistance through the Probation Department and court proceedings before obtaining the child’s school leaving certificate.
Investigation Continues Ahead of December Hearing
The investigation is proceeding under the instructions of Kesbewa Police Station Officer-in-Charge Chief Inspector K. P. Kalansooriya.
The officers identified in the report as conducting further inquiries include Sub-Inspector Kanchana Maliyadda, Officer-in-Charge of the Children and Women’s Bureau, and Police Sergeant Jesfer (66455), who handles court-related matters.
The court’s decision to grant bail does not determine the suspect’s guilt or innocence. The allegations must be assessed through the applicable investigative and judicial processes.
Further inquiries are expected to examine the child’s complaint, medical evidence, statements obtained from other boarding students and information concerning the suspect’s reported previous arrest.
The case is scheduled to return before the Kesbewa Magistrate’s Court on December 1.
Its outcome will depend on the evidence lawfully placed before the court and any subsequent decisions by the prosecuting authorities.
