The Karaka Maha Sangha Sabha of the Malwatta Maha Viharaya has decided to suspend Ven. Pallegama Hemarathana from the position of Chief Sanghanayake of Nuwara Kalaviya pending the conclusion of ongoing legal proceedings against him.

According to a statement issued by Malwatta Maha Viharaya on 30 May, the Karaka Maha Sangha Sabha reviewed allegations levelled against Ven. Hemarathana Thero, who currently serves as both Chief Sanghanayake and Atamasthanadhipathi, after summoning relevant parties and examining the facts.

The statement said that at a meeting of the Karaka Maha Sangha Sabha held on 30 May, it was decided to suspend Ven. Hemarathana from the position of Chief Sanghanayake of Nuwara Kalaviya until the legal proceedings concerning the allegations against him are concluded and a final determination is made.

The decision was taken under the powers vested in the Karaka Maha Sangha Sabha of Malwatta Maha Viharaya, the statement added.

Separately, the Atamasthana Committee has decided to appoint Chief Sangha Nayaka of the North Central Province and Ruwanweli Chaitya Sastrapathi Pandita Ven. Ethalewatunu Wewe Gnanathilaka to temporarily perform the duties of the Atamasthanadhipathi position.

The announcement was made on the instructions of the Most Venerable Mahanayaka Thero of the Malwatta Chapter.