Scientific evidence has revealed that a semen sample recovered from a mat at the temple of former Anuradhapura Atamasthanadhipathi Ven. Pallegama Hemarathana Thera, who is accused of the aggravated sexual abuse and rape of a minor, matches his DNA, according to reports.
The semen sample was recovered from a mat seized from the Thera’s temple and sent to the Government Analyst for examination. The analysis has confirmed that the sample directly matches the DNA of Ven. Hemarathana Thera.
The minor had previously stated that Hemarathana Thera’s semen had been deposited on the mat.
The latest DNA report is considered significant as it provides scientific evidence supporting that statement. An earlier forensic report relating to clothing, including the minor’s underwear, which had allegedly been buried, had not detected DNA alleles belonging to an external individual.
Police informed the Anuradhapura Chief Magistrate’s Court that the Government Analyst’s reports had already been forwarded to the Attorney General’s Department.
In addition, CDs containing video footage in which the minor identifies the location where the alleged incident took place, along with video evidence provided by her, have been submitted to the court and the Attorney General’s Department.
During proceedings, Attorney-at-Law Chanaka Abeywickrama, appearing for the complainant, strongly objected to the suspect Thera allegedly bypassing routine security procedures at the court complex and entering through a special entrance reserved for judges.
Pointing out that all individuals were equal before the law, Abeywickrama requested the court to inquire into the matter.
Considering the request, Chief Magistrate Siyapath Sasidu Wickramaratne ordered the Officer-in-Charge of the Court Security Unit to conduct an immediate investigation and submit a report.
The Magistrate also directed Police to investigate three telephone numbers allegedly used by the second suspect, the minor’s mother, before her arrest, which have not previously been investigated.
Information regarding the telephone numbers had been provided by the minor’s grandmother and uncle.
A statement is also expected to be recorded from the grandmother after the school holidays.
With the permission of the court, the minor was allowed to make video calls to her younger sister, who remains under probationary care. The court also considered a Police request to refer the minor to a forensic psychiatrist.
Summons were also issued requiring the submission of the medical examination report prepared by the Judicial Medical Officer of the Ragama Teaching Hospital.
Police have reported facts against Hemarathana Thera under Section 365B(2)(b) of the Penal Code Amendment Act in relation to aggravated sexual abuse and Section 364(2)(e) in relation to rape.
Facts have also been reported against the minor’s mother under Section 360C(1)(a) of Act No. 16 of 2006 in relation to trafficking and aiding and abetting the alleged offence.
Hemarathana Thera is currently on strict bail conditions and subject to an overseas travel ban. More than 20 lawyers, including President’s Counsel Kalinga Indatissa and Anuja Premaratne, appeared on his behalf.
Nittambuwa Headquarters Chief Inspector Anura Gunawardena and other Police officers made submissions for the prosecution.
The case was postponed until 8 January 2027 pending instructions from the Attorney General.
