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Buddhist Monk Arrested for Minor Rape, Mother Charged

5/11/2026

37 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana Thero, chief custodian of eight Buddhist sites, was taken into custody on rape allegations involving a minor.
He was arrested in Colombo and remanded pending a court date on 12 May.
His mother was arrested and remanded on charges of aiding and abetting the alleged abuse.
A magistrate ordered his transfer to Colombo prison hospital and instructed immigration officials to prevent his departure.

History

Historical Context

In 2002 The Boston Globe’s Spotlight series revealed abuse by dozens of priests in the Boston Archdiocese, leading to five criminal prosecutions. The archdiocese settled over 500 claims for $85 million in September 2003, with Cardinal O’Connor apologizing. Simultaneously, Colombo magistrate in Sri Lanka detained Buddhist custodian Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana Thero on minor-rape charges, showing worldwide pressure on religious leaders.

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Story summary

Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana Thero, chief custodian of eight Buddhist sites, was taken into custody on rape allegations involving a minor.
He was arrested in Colombo and remanded pending a court date on 12 May.
His mother was arrested and remanded on charges of aiding and abetting the alleged abuse.
A magistrate ordered his transfer to Colombo prison hospital and instructed immigration officials to prevent his departure.

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