One of Sri Lanka's highest-ranking Buddhist monks has been arrested and remanded in custody for the alleged rape and sexual assault of a 15-year-old girl, the BBC has reported.
Pallegama Hemarathana Thero holds one of the most revered positions in the Buddhist world – the chief prelate or custodian of eight holy sites in Sri Lanka.
He was arrested following a request from the country's child protection authority, which had previously criticized police for failing to arrest him despite being named as a suspect in the case.
Pallegama Hemarathana has not commented publicly on the charges. He is due to appear in court on May 12.
The alleged victim's mother was also arrested and remanded in custody after being charged with aiding and abetting the abuse.
Pallegama Hemarathana was receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo when he was arrested on Saturday. The magistrate ruled that he should be transferred to the Colombo Prison Hospital.
He also issued an order to immigration authorities to ensure that Pallegama Hemarathana does not attempt to leave the country.
It is unusual to see Buddhist monks – let alone such a senior figure – arrested in Sri Lanka, where they are politically powerful and socially respected.
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