Sri Lankan monk faces child sex charges in Melbourne

Ven.Naotunne Vijitha Thera had migrated to Australia in 1993 to assume the role of resident monk at the Sri Lankan Buddhist temple in SpringvaleA prominent Buddhist monk has appeared in a Melbourne court, facing charges related to child sexual offenses that occurred during the 1990s and early 2000s. 

Venerable Naotunne Vijitha Thera, who served as the Nayaka Thera at the Dhamma Sarana temple in South-eastern Melbourne, is confronting a total of 13 charges, with allegations of engaging in sexual activity with a minor under the age of 16 and committing indecent acts involving a minor under the age of 16.

Australian authorities have initiated legal action against the monk earlier this week after three individuals lodged complaints, who had reported that the events transpired between 1996 and 2004. Police contend that the monk’s interactions with the complainants took place through his responsibilities at the Keysborough temple.Official legal documents outline that detectives from the sexual crimes division of Victoria Police have accused Vijitha Thera of engaging in inappropriate physical contact with multiple young girls. In a court appearance on Friday, the monk appeared for a procedural hearing where he was accompanied by senior figures of the temple, Australian media reported. The proceedings were postponed until November 10, when a preliminary hearing will take place.

Naotunne Vijitha Thera had migrated to Australia in 1993 to assume the role of resident monk at the Sri Lankan Buddhist temple in Springvale. In 2001, he subsequently established residency at the newly established temple in Keysborough.