The Anuradhapura Chief Magistrate’s Court has ordered that case materials related to the alleged abuse of a 15-year-old girl be sent to the Government Analyst, with a forensic report to be submitted to court.
The directive was issued by Chief Magistrate Siyapath Sasindu Wickramaratne when the case was taken up again, following submissions by the Sri Lanka Police through the Nittambuwa Police and the Gampaha Division Children and Women’s Bureau.
The case involves allegations that the Chief Incumbent of the Atamasthanaya in Anuradhapura, along with two others, subjected the minor to repeated abuse on multiple occasions. The Magistrate also instructed police to submit a progress report on the ongoing investigations.
Clothing believed to belong to the victim, reportedly bearing bloodstains, has been identified as key evidence and sent for forensic examination. Police stated that the items had been buried near the victim’s residence and were later recovered during investigations.
A statement has also been recorded from the suspect, Palleagama Hemarathana Thera, in connection with the case. Police Media Spokesperson F.U. Wootler said investigations are being conducted strictly based on evidence and that due legal process will be followed.
He emphasized that the law applies equally to all individuals, regardless of status, and that any conflicting evidence will be carefully examined. Further legal steps will be taken in consultation with the Attorney General’s Department.
Investigations are being carried out under the supervision of the Assistant Superintendent of Police in Attanagalla, with incidents believed to have occurred in Nittambuwa, Dambulla and Anuradhapura.
Meanwhile, Saroj Savithri Paulraj of the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs has called for a report on the incident.
