The initial DNA test report has been received in the ongoing child abuse case against Pallegama Hemarathana Thero, the former chief prelate of Atamasthana, police informed the Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court today (26).
Chief Inspector P.M. Anura Gunawardena, the officer-in-charge of Nittambuwa Police, updated the court on the forensic progress, stating that while the primary DNA results are now in hand, the secondary DNA test results remain pending. The police have also compiled and submitted comprehensive phone analysis reports detailing mobile device communications between the suspect monk, the underage survivor, and her mother.
Appearing before open court for the first time on behalf of the state, State Counsel Keshani Wijesinghe confirmed that the Attorney General’s Department is actively monitoring and overseeing the police investigation.
Following these submissions, Anuradhapura Chief Magistrate Siyapath Sasindu Wickramaratne granted the prosecution’s request for further time to finalise their inquiries. The Chief Magistrate ordered the police to submit a comprehensive progress report.
Representing the suspect, President’s Counsel Kalinga Indatissa noted that the defence would reserve special submissions at this stage given the active status of the inquiry, consenting to the timeline for the subsequent court date.
