COLOMBO, Sri Lanka: A court in Sri Lanka this week granted bail to a senior Buddhist monk who had been arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing a minor. The case has sparked strong debate in the country, where Buddhism is the main religion.
The monk, Rev. Pallegama Hemarathana, 71, was arrested earlier this month over allegations that he abused a 14-year-old girl. A court had ordered that he remain in custody for questioning, but he stayed in a hospital during that time, citing health problems.
He was arrested together with the girl's mother, who is accused of helping him. On May 22, a court in the historic city of Anuradhapura ordered that both be released on bail, police said.
Hemarathana is a well-known monk in Sri Lanka and the custodian of eight major ancient Buddhist sites in Anuradhapura, which are respected by Buddhists worldwide. He has denied all the accusations.
More than 70 percent of Sri Lanka's 22 million people are Buddhists, and monks have a strong influence on the country's political and social life.
The case has led to sharp disagreement among Buddhists, with some supporting the monk and others criticizing him.
The activist group Women for Freedom held a silent protest outside the court when the monk was brought there on May 22.
Activist Hemamali Abeyratne said that instead of supporting the victim, much of society and the authorities seem to be supporting the accused monk. She said society must be careful to ensure justice for the child.
She added that the main issue is not whether the accused is a monk, a school principal, or an ordinary person, but whether justice is done. She also said that any child could become a victim of abuse by anyone in society.
Meanwhile, attorney Mahesh Kotuwella, who is part of the monk's legal team, said that some non-governmental groups and women's rights activists harbor negative views toward the monk. He claimed these groups are trying to influence public opinion and keep the monk in custody longer.
The case is scheduled to return to court next month.
