Dilum Amunugama has come under severe 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.

Speaking at the press conference, the Sarvajana Balaya National Organiser who didn’t mention the age of the minor girl, claimed that the current Government had acted to arrest and detain the Atamasthanadhipathi Thera based on the statement of a “prostitute.”

Amunugama further alleged that the present administration was pursuing a double standard by targeting individuals who supported the previous Government as well as former heads of the security forces.

However, his remarks sparked widespread outrage online, with many social media users condemning the use of such language to describe a minor.

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

A court recently ordered that the Thera be further remanded in connection with the case involving allegations of grave sexual abuse of the minor.