The monk was arrested on May 8 while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo. He was produced before the Colombo Fort Magistrate on May 9, where the court ordered that he be held on remand until the next hearing date.
Police had earlier confirmed that the Anuradhapura Chief Magistrate had issued an arrest order against the suspect, along with a travel ban, in connection with the case involving a 15-year-old girl.
Investigations were launched after a complaint was lodged with the Nittambuwa Police on March 6, 2026, alleging that the victim had been abducted and unlawfully detained. Further inquiries conducted by the Nittambuwa Police and the Women and Children’s Bureau reportedly uncovered additional allegations related to earlier abuse.
Authorities also stated that both Ven. Hemarathana Thera and the victim’s mother have been named as suspects in the ongoing investigation.
The case is expected to be taken up again on May 12.
