Former Atamasthanadhipathi gives blood sample for DNA testing

Colombo, June 16 (Daily Mirror) - Former Anuradhapura Atamasthanadhipathi Ven. Pallegama Hemarathana Thera has provided a blood sample to the Government Analyst for DNA testing in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged sexual abuse of a minor girl.

The sample was taken on Tuesday (16) after the monk was produced before the Government Analyst by officers of the Nittambuwa Police, in line with a directive issued by the Anuradhapura Chief Magistrate on June 12.

The court had ordered the suspect to provide a blood sample on June 16 and instructed that the Government Analyst submit the DNA report to court upon completion of the examination.

The order was issued after Nittambuwa Police informed court that clothing allegedly buried and concealed by the complainant had earlier been sent for forensic examination on May 4 under a previous court order.

Police said DNA testing on the items had revealed the presence of DNA alleles and sought court approval to obtain a blood sample from the suspect monk for comparison.