Alleged abuse of teenager

Police hunt for Parish Priest

• Investigations launched after the parents had complained of the incident to the IGP

The Children and Women’s Bureau of Marawila Police have launched an investigation to arrest a Parish Priest of a Church in Marawila who is said to have sexually abused a 15-year-old school student from time to time for almost a year.   

The priest who is evading arrest is reportedly planning to flee the country.  

Accordingly, the police have submitted a report related to this incident to the court and obtained an order to arrest the suspect at the airport if he tries to flee the country.   
Investigations into this incident were reportedly launched after the parents of the victim had complained of the incident to the IGP.  

According to sources, the child had been brought to the church with the promise of a good education and thereafter subjected to serious sexual abuse since 2021.  
The victim child has been referred to a medical examination.  

Parish Priest speaks on allegations of sexual abuse

• Says he intends to resolve the issue pertaining to him through a fair judgement

 By Yohan Perera  

The Parish Priest of a Church in Marawila, who is said to have sexually abused a 15-year-old school student, said he intended to obtain a fair judgement on the false allegations made against him and get the issue resolved. 
 
In a statement uploaded on social media, the priest concerned said he intends to resolve the issue pertaining to him through a fair judgement.   

“I thank all those who made the allegations against me independently or through provocations. I also thank the parishioners who came in buses to support me. The beautiful thing which is left for me is the love which the parishioners had shown towards me during this time of difficulty,” he added.  

Meanwhile, Bishop of Chilaw Rev. Valence Mendis said the Church cannot say or decide anything on the concerned priest as the matter is before the Courts now.  

“We cannot do anything now as the matter has gone before courts at the moment. We will have to wait till the case is completed. Also, there are two sides to any story,” he added.   
The Children and Women’s Bureau of Marawila Police had launched an investigation to arrest a Parish Priest of a Church in Marawila who is said to have sexually abused a 15-year-old school student from time to time for almost a year.