The Anuradhapura Chief Magistrate has ordered that case materials related to an alleged sexual abuse of a 15-year-old girl be sent to the Government Analyst, and that the forensic report be submitted to court.
The order was issued by Chief Magistrate Siyapath Sasindu Wickramaratne following submissions made when the case (No. 22424/2026 B) was taken up again yesterday (4). The submissions were made by the Officer-in-Charge of the Nittambuwa Police, acting on the instructions of the Gampaha Division Police Children and Women’s Bureau.
The case concerns allegations that the Chief Incumbent of the Atamasthanaya in Anuradhapura, along with two other individuals, subjected the minor to repeated sexual abuse on multiple occasions.
The Magistrate also directed the Gampaha Division Police Children and Women’s Bureau to submit a progress report on the ongoing investigations.
Clothing belonging to the 15-year-old, reportedly bearing blood stains, has been identified as case material and ordered to be sent to the Government Analyst as part of the investigation.
Police said the clothing had been buried near the victim’s residence following the alleged incidents and was later recovered by the Gampaha Division Police Children and Women’s Bureau.
Meanwhile, a statement has been recorded from the suspect, Palleagama Hemarathana Thera, in connection with the alleged abuse of the 15-year-old girl.
Responding to queries by BBC Sinhala, Police Media Spokesperson F.U. Wootler said that investigations were being conducted based on available evidence and that due legal process would be followed.
“All matters will ultimately be determined judicially, so we must proceed based on proper evidence,” he said.
He added that where contradictory evidence arises, it would be carefully examined to establish its accuracy and credibility, and that further action would be taken in consultation with the Attorney General.
When asked whether the involvement of the senior Buddhist monk had influenced the handling of the case by BBC Sinhala, the Police Spokesperson stressed that the law applies equally to all.
“This is not relevant. The law is the same for everyone,” he said.
He further stated that investigations are being carried out under the supervision of the Assistant Superintendent of Police in Attanagalla, with a special police team probing incidents believed to have taken place in Nittambuwa, Dambulla, and Anuradhapura.
The spokesperson said that relevant items, including clothing, had already been forwarded to the Government Analyst, and that further legal steps would be taken based on upcoming investigative reports, including the possibility of seeking the Attorney General’s advice.
“We cannot act hastily. We must proceed with evidence,” he added.
Separately, an official from the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs said that Minister Saroj Savithri Paulraj has called for a report on the incident.
