• Seeks immediate legal, psychological, social protection for the victim 

A collective of civil society activists has called for a fair, transparent, impartial and independent investigation into the case concerning the serious abuse allegations against the Atamasthanadhipathi, Pallegama Hemarathana, free from political, religious or institutional influence, and for the legal process to guided by truth and justice rather than power or status. Further, the collective has sought the provision of immediate legal, psychological and social protection for the girl.

The case is scheduled to be heard again on 22 May. According to the information shared by the girl, she is alleged to have faced abuse from a very young age. From a deeply vulnerable social and economic background, she reportedly did not receive proper protection even within her own family environment. Public concern has increased due to the way the arrest process appears to have been handled. Reports that the Police were reluctant to carry out the arrest order, together with the decision to keep the suspect in a private hospital even after the arrest, have created a public perception that the law may not be operating fairly in this case.

“It is a test of whether the law applies equally to both the powerful and the powerless. It raises questions about how women and children are treated within our society and justice system. This would amount not only to a grave crime against a child, but also to a serious moral failure on the part of the institutions and social structures that should have protected her. The huge imbalance of power between the parties involved is one of the main reasons why this case has caused such public concern. On the one side stands a highly influential religious figure with strong institutional authority. This public outcry comes from genuine fears that power, status, institutional influence and unequal treatment may interfere with the proper enforcement of the law. Whether priest or layperson, powerful or ordinary, no one should stand above the law. A civilised society cannot sacrifice vulnerable children in order to protect powerful institutions. The Government came to power promising safety, dignity and well-being for women and children. What the people expect is the proper and equal enforcement of the law, and for that enforcement to be visibly credible to the public. If we truly care about the future of our children and this country, then we must ensure that justice is carried out fully, fairly and without fear,” the statement further read.