Three including Buddhist monk arrested over sexual abuse of minor

The Kalutara Divisional Bureau for the Prevention of Abuse of Children and Women has arrested a 21-year-old Buddhist monk from a temple in Kalutara on charges of sexually abusing an underage girl. The parents of the victim too have been arrested for allegedly aiding and abetting the crime. 

According to police, the suspect monk had been teaching at the Sunday School of another temple in Kalutara he previously resided in. He had allegedly commenced an affair with the victim, who had been a student at the Sunday School. 

The suspect monk had then moved to another temple in the area but area residents had informed OIC of the Divisional Bureau Inspector Disna Priyanthi that the suspect is in the habit of visiting the home of the victim. The unit had accordingly commenced an inquiry and arrested the suspect. 

The victim has been referred for a medical examination while the suspects are due to be produced before the Kalutara Magistrate's Court. 

By Sarath Siriwardena