Atamasthanadhipathi Pallegama Hemarathana Thera, who has been accused of subjecting a 15-year-old girl to grave sexual abuse, has been transferred to the Colombo National Hospital following growing criticism over his continued stay at a private hospital despite court orders.

The initial transfer order was issued by Colombo Additional Magistrate Kasun Kanchana Dissanayake on Saturday, 9 May 2026, after the Magistrate personally visited and examined the Thera at Nawaloka Hospital following his arrest on the night of 8 May.

The Magistrate had also ordered that the suspect be remanded until 22 May and directed authorities to transfer him from the private hospital to the Colombo National Hospital.

However, criticism mounted after the Thera continued to remain at Nawaloka Hospital for several days following the court order instead of being transferred immediately.

Subsequently, during a follow-up hearing held on Wednesday (13), Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena issued a renewed directive instructing prison authorities to complete the transfer to the Colombo National Hospital based on updated medical recommendations.