Ven. Hemarathana Thera released on bail

By Upali Ananda   

Atamasthanadipathi Ven. Pallegama Hemarathana Thera who had been remanded on suspicion of the rape of an underage girl and the girl’s mother who is alleged to have aided and abetted the crime were released on strict bail conditions yesterday by Anuradhapura Chief Magistrate and Additional District Judge Siyapath Sasindu Wickremaratne.   

The magistrate ordered the release of Ven. Hemarathana Thera on personal bail of Rs.05million with two sureties each and cash bail of Rs.100,000. He imposed a ban on travel abroad of the suspect and ordered the Controller- General of Immigration and Emigration to prevent him from leaving the country.   

The magistrate severely warned the suspect to refrain from any undue influencing of the witnesses.   

The victim’s mother was released on personal bail of Rs.500,000 with two sureties each and imposed a ban on travel abroad. 

When the case was taken up HQI Nittambuwa Police CI P.M.Anura Gunawardene informed court that investigations of the incident were complete and that the extracts of the investigation reports have been submitted to the Attorney General for advice.,    

Attorney at Law, President’s Counsel Kalinga Indratissa appearing for Ven. Hemarathana Thera refuted the allegation against the suspect that he raped the underage girl. He stated that the suspect cooperated with the police to conduct investigations. He refuted the allegations that the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security had interfered with the investigations. He requested court to release the suspect under any bail condition.   

Director Law Enforcement of the National Child Protection Authority Attorney at Law Sajeewani Abeykoon told court that the ACPA had to compel the police to arrest the suspect in view of the strong evidence including the statement of the victim.

The official pointed out that the police had recorded the statement of the suspect and released him. She informed court that the suspect and the girl have had 84 conversations between them. ACPA official stated that the incident would have been brushed under the carpet provided it had not come to light when the girl was arrested while being in the company with her lover.   

HQI Nittambuwa Police P.M.Anura Gunawardene , HQI Anuradhapura Police R.M.Jayaweera, SI Dayananda of the Women and Children’s Bureau, Anuradhapura police made submissions for the state.   

A team of about 20 lawyers including President’s Counsel Kalinga Indrathissa appeared for Ven. Pallegama Hemarathana Thera, while Attorneys at Law Swarnamali Anuradhanayaka, Asith Siriwardene, and Athula Ranagala appeared for the victim.   

Several leading Buddhist monks including Chief Incumbent of the Ruwanweliseya temple Ven. Eethalawetunawewe Gnanatileka Thero were present in court to watch the proceedings. Police had stepped up security in the courts ground and in the surrounding area.