The Chief Prelate of the Mihintale Rajamaha Viharaya, Ven. Walawahangunawewe Dhammarathana Thera, arrived at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) yesterday (7) to lodge a formal complaint over what he described as a coordinated character assassination campaign against him on social media.
Speaking to the media, the Thera alleged that a woman has been repeatedly using YouTube and other social media platforms to accuse him of being a “molester.” He categorically rejected the allegations, stating that there are no police complaints or court cases against him in this regard. He described the accusations as baseless and claimed that some of the content circulated includes vulgar language aimed at damaging his reputation.
Ven. Dhammarathana Thera further claimed that the alleged smear campaign is retaliation for his outspoken criticism of certain government actions. He specifically linked the attacks to his public opposition to what he termed “homosexual activism” and its alleged inclusion in the Grade 6 school curriculum for children aged 10 and 11. He said the Mahanayake Theras of the Malwathu and Asgiriya Chapters have previously been informed of these concerns and have written to the President opposing what he described as a “destructive homosexual bill.”
The Thera alleged that the campaign is being orchestrated by a group operating both locally and from overseas. He added that a team of lawyers is currently assisting him with the matter on a pro bono basis.
While submitting written complaints and recordings of media reports to the CID, the Thera expressed doubts about whether justice would be served. He noted that several previous complaints he had made to the CID had not progressed, but said he was pursuing this complaint to test whether the law is applied equally to all.
He also commented on his evolving views on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, stating that, according to the teachings of Arhat Mahinda, a ruler is a custodian of the land and not its owner. The Thera recalled that he had previously conferred the rare title of “Maha Mahendra Prasadini” on the President in the hope of a transformation similar to that of King Ashoka, from “Chandasoka” to “Dharmasoka.” However, he said he is now disappointed, adding that while the President may have good intentions, he appears unable to lead effectively due to the influence of those around him.
