Worker arrested over molestation of German tourist at Mihintale

Colombo, March 17 (Daily Mirror) - Police have arrested an archaeological worker over the alleged molestation of a German female tourist at the historic Mihintale temple premises, police said.

According to the police, the suspect had forcibly taken the tourist into a restricted area near the Kanthaka Stupa within the Mihintale sacred zone and attempted to molest her while she was visiting the site yesterday.

The victim, a German national in her thirties, had arrived to visit the Kanthaka Stupa during a religious procession when the incident occurred. The suspect, who is employed as an archaeological worker attached to the site, had allegedly taken her towards a protected area that is not open to visitors.

Chief Incumbent of the historic Mihintale Rajamaha Viharaya, Venerable Dr. Walawahangunawewe Dhammarathana Nayaka Thera, said the woman was rescued by three young devotees who had come to worship at the temple after noticing the situation.

The Chief Incumbent said the tourist later lodged a complaint with the Mihintale Police, following which the suspect was taken into custody. The victim was also produced before the Judicial Medical Officer for examination.

Ven. Dhammarathana Nayaka Thera further expressed concern over the lack of security at the Mihintale sacred area, stating that only four police officers are currently assigned to provide protection to the shrine, which receives a large number of local and foreign visitors daily.

He requested the Inspector General of Police to take immediate steps to strengthen security to ensure the safety of devotees as well as tourists visiting the historic Mihintale shrine.

Police said further investigations are in progress.