May 31, Colombo (LNW): The governing council of the Malwathu Maha Viharaya has decided to temporarily remove Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana Thera from his position as Chief Sanghanayake of Nuwara Kalaviya while legal proceedings concerning allegations against him remain ongoing.
The decision was reached by the Karaka Maha Sangha Sabha following a review of the circumstances surrounding the matter. After considering submissions and information presented by the relevant parties, the council resolved at a meeting held on 30 May to suspend the honorary office held by the Thera until the courts conclude their examination of the case and a final verdict is delivered.
Venerable Hemarathana Thera is a prominent member of the Malwathu Chapter of the Siam Maha Nikaya and has also served as the Atamasthanadhipathi, overseeing the administration and religious affairs of the eight sacred Buddhist sites in Anuradhapura.
In a statement, the Malwathu Maha Viharaya noted that the action was taken in accordance with the authority vested in the Karaka Maha Sangha Sabha and was intended as an interim measure pending the outcome of the judicial process.
Meanwhile, arrangements have been made to ensure the uninterrupted management of the Atamasthana institutions. Acting on the recommendations of the Sangha Sabha, the Atamasthana Committee has entrusted Venerable Eethalwetuna Wewa Gnanathilaka Nayaka Thera with the responsibilities of the Atamasthanadhipathi on a temporary basis.
Venerable Gnanathilaka Nayaka Thera, who serves as the Chief Sanghanayake for the North Central Province and Chief Incumbent of the Ruwanwelisaya, will carry out the duties attached to the post until further decisions are made by the relevant religious authorities.