Mahayaya Vinita Thera no longer a monk, probe underway

Colombo, June 18 (Daily Mirror) - A statement has been issued in response to the case involving Tufts Buddhist Chaplain Ven. Vineetha Mahayaye, who was among seven men arrested on Saturday by the Boston Police Department’s Human Trafficking Unit on allegations of attempting to pay for sexual acts.

The statement, issued by Professor Derangala Kusalagnana Thera on behalf of Pahyangala Anandasagara Thera, said the matter is currently under investigation and should not be prejudged.

According to the statement, Pahyangala Anandasagara Thera clarified that Mahayaya Vinita Thera is no longer a monk, having left the monastic order on May 16.

Kusalagnana Thera further requested the media to refrain from using the ordained name “Ven. Vineetha Mahayaye” and from circulating related images and photographs available on the internet.

He also said that steps have been taken to engage with senior Buddhist leaders in Washington, Los Angeles, and New York State regarding the matter. He named several chief venerables, including Maharagama Dhammasiri Nayaka Thera, Walpola Piananda Nayaka Thera, Dhammajyoti Nayaka Thera, Uparatana Nayaka Thera, Kondanya Thera, and Surakulme Pemaratana Nayaka Thera, who he said would jointly issue a statement on the incident.

The statement urged the media and the public to remain patient until the investigation is concluded, and called for restraint in sharing unverified information or images that could contribute to misinformation or incitement of hatred.