August 25, Colombo (LNW): A forensic examination of a rug submitted as evidence in a case involving Ven. Pallegama Hemarathana Thera has found traces of semen attributed to the suspect, according to a report presented to the Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court.
The Government Analyst’s findings were entered into the court record in case No. B22424/2026. The report also stated that the hairs recovered from the rug did not match those of the girl who has made the allegation. Instead, the analysed hairs were identified as belonging to another woman. No visible blood stains were detected on the item, according to the report.
The rug had been taken into police custody during the investigation following the complainant’s account that she had allegedly been assaulted inside the monk’s room and that a rug positioned near the bed had subsequently been used to wipe semen from the floor.
The complainant had also reportedly identified the room and various items inside it, including the bed and the rug, to investigators during the inquiry.
Following its recovery, the rug was sent for forensic analysis to establish whether it contained material relevant to the allegations. A copy of the Government Analyst’s report has also been forwarded to the Attorney General for consideration.
The investigation involved officers from several police units, including Inspector Vinicia Premaratne, Officer-in-Charge of the Gampaha Division Women and Children’s Bureau, and Inspector Wasundara Gunaratne, with assistance from Anuradhapura Police.
The court has postponed further proceedings until 8 January 2027, pending advice from the Attorney General. The forensic findings will form part of the material available to authorities as they determine the next steps in the case.