A controversial case in Anuradhapura has drawn public attention after a temple incumbent accused of sexual harassment was released on bail by the Chief Magistrate. Siyapath Sasindu Wickramaratne ordered the suspect monk’s release on a personal bail of Rs 100,000, while directing authorities to continue investigations into the allegations.
The arrest was carried out by the Children and Women’s Bureau of the Anuradhapura Police Headquarters following a complaint lodged by a 30-year-old married woman whose husband had passed away. According to police submissions to court, the suspect allegedly attempted to seduce the woman by sending obscene images to her mobile phone, raising serious concerns over abuse of trust and conduct.
Investigators informed the court that preliminary inquiries had already been initiated and that forensic analysis of the smartphones belonging to both the suspect and the complainant had reportedly confirmed the transmission of inappropriate material. Based on these findings, the police sought to have the suspect remanded as further investigations continue.
However, the court opted to grant bail, while instructing the Children and Women’s Bureau to submit a progress report on the investigation. The magistrate also ordered the suspect to reappear before court on September 7, signaling that the case remains under active judicial scrutiny.
Representing the suspect, Sanjaya Ratnayake firmly rejected the allegations in court, maintaining his client’s innocence as legal proceedings move forward. The case has sparked wider debate on accountability and ethical conduct, particularly involving religious figures, as authorities continue to examine the evidence.
