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Court Orders DNA Test for Former Atamasthanadhipathi

By Ruwan Weerakoon

(Lanka-e-News -2026.June.11, 11.30 PM) The Anuradhapura Chief Magistrate, Siyapath Sasindu Wickramaratne, today (12) ordered the former Atamasthanadhipathi (Chief Prelate of the Eight Sacred Places), Pallagama Hemarathana Thero, to provide blood samples for a DNA test. The monk stands accused of gravely abusing a minor girl.

According to today's court order, the suspect monk must present himself at the Government Analyst's Department on June 16 to provide his blood samples.

DNA Evidence Found on Case Exhibits

The Chief Magistrate issued this order after considering a further report submitted to the court by the Nittambuwa Police. The police highlighted that, following a previous court order, several clothing items related to the incident were forwarded to the Government Analyst on May 4, 2026, for DNA testing. These clothes, suspected to be stained with blood, were found buried and hidden by the victimized girl.

During the scientific investigation conducted by the Government Analyst, it was officially confirmed that "DNA alleles are present" on the girl's clothing. The police explained to the court the necessity of obtaining the suspect monk's blood samples to compare his DNA profile with the alleles found on the clothes.

Accepting the police's request to scientifically determine whether the DNA patterns match, the Magistrate granted permission and ordered the Government Analyst to submit the final DNA report to the court.

Suspended from Religious Posts

The former Atamasthanadhipathi, who is the main accused in this minor abuse case, was previously remanded in custody and later released under strict bail conditions. Following these criminal allegations, his positions as the Atamasthanadhipathi and the Chief Sanghanayake of Nuwarakalaviya have been suspended, effective from the recent Vesak Full Moon Poya Day.

How the DNA Test Impacts the Case

In investigations of such grave crimes, a DNA test is the most powerful scientific evidence used to establish a suspect's direct involvement. Except for identical twins, the DNA allele pattern is unique to every individual in the world.

The Critical Factor: While eyewitness statements or testimonies can change due to various external influences, biological DNA evidence remains permanent and unalterable.

Proving the Charges: If the DNA samples from the clothes and the suspect's blood match 100%, it will conclusively prove that the suspect was physically connected to the victim at the time of the crime. This report will be a decisive factor in proving the charges beyond a reasonable doubt during future trial proceedings.

Exonerating the Suspect: Conversely, if the DNA samples do not match, this test will be equally vital in proving the suspect's innocence.