A senior Buddhist monk has been suspended from two positions following allegations involving a minor

The Malwathu Maha Viharaya in Kandy has decided to suspend Pallegama Hemaratana Thero from his positions amidst the ongoing investigations into allegations he sexually abused a minor.

Maha Sangha Sabha of the Malwathu Maha Viharaya had decided to suspend the position of Chief Sanghanayaka of Nuwarakalawiya held by Hemaratana Thero until the ongoing court proceedings relating to the allegations against him are concluded and a final determination is reached.

Chief Sanghanayaka of the North Central Province, Eethalawetunuwewe Gnanathilaka Nayaka Thero of the Ruwanweli Seya, has temporarily been appointed to cover the duties of the Atamasthanadhipathi, which was also held by Hemaratana Thero.

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Pallegama Hemaratana Thero, who had been serving as the Atamasthanadhipathi of Anuradhapura and was arrested on charges of abusing a 14-year-old girl, was released on bail last Friday.

When the case was taken up, Anuradhapura Chief Magistrate Sasidu Wickramaratne, having considered the submissions of both parties, ordered the release of the Thero on two personal sureties worth Rs. 5 million each and a cash bail of Rs. 100,000.

The bail was granted under strict conditions, including a travel ban and a warning that bail would be immediately revoked and the Thero re-remanded if any attempt was made to influence witnesses.