Dilum Amunugama has faced strong criticism on social media after allegedly referring to a 15-year-old girl linked to the case against Pallegama Hemarathana Thera as a “prostitute” during a media briefing.

At the press conference, the Sarvajana Balaya National Organiser, without mentioning the girl’s age, claimed that the current government had arrested and remanded the Atamasthanadhipathi Thera based on the statement of a “prostitute.”

He further alleged that the present administration was applying double standards by targeting individuals associated with the previous government, including former security force officials.

His remarks triggered widespread public backlash online, with many condemning the use of derogatory language in reference to a minor.

The controversy comes amid an ongoing court case in which the Atamasthanadhipathi Thera has been remanded over allegations of sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl.

A court has already ordered that the Thera be further remanded as investigations into the serious allegations continue.