Temple Monk Sentenced to 30 Years for Abusing Minor

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Anuradhapura Special High Court for Child Abuse has sentenced a temple chief monk to 30 years of rigorous imprisonment over a grave offence involving a 14-year-old boy.

The court found that the incident had occurred on the very first night the minor had arrived at the temple intending to enter monastic life. The offence took place on or around May 10, 2022, in the Thalakolawewa area of Hurigaswewa, within the jurisdiction of the Anuradhapura High Court.

In addition to the sentence, the court ordered the convicted monk to pay Rs. 500,000 in compensation to the victim. The ruling further stated that failure to pay the compensation would result in an additional six-month term of imprisonment.

The court also imposed financial penalties in relation to the charges, ordering a fine of Rs. 5,000 on the first count and Rs. 15,000 each on the second and third counts. If these fines are not settled, the court directed that the offender would face additional prison terms of four months for each charge.

During the proceedings, defence counsel Suranga Mohotti presented medical reports to the court, stating that the accused was suffering from various health conditions.

Taking these factors into consideration, the presiding judge ruled that the 30-year sentence of rigorous imprisonment should be served within a period of 10 years.