Following reports that a minor girl was abused by Atamasthanadhipathi Pallegama Hemarathana Thero, Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paul Raj has ordered officials to provide her with a report on the incident.
Meanwhile, the ‘Leader’ website has reported, quoting a senior police officer, that the police have recorded a statement from Atamasthanadhipathi Ven. Pallegama Hemarathana Thero regarding the incident.
The news item states that the officer also stated that an on-site inspection was conducted at the place where the incident allegedly took place.
The girl, who is said to have been abused, has said that her mother had taken money from Atamasthanadhipathi Thero and in return gave her to be abused. The Anuradhapura Chief Magistrate has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident after reporting the victim’s statement to the court.
The girl has stated that she was subjected to abuse by taking money from a businessman in addition to the monk in question.