Melbourne, Australia – Venerable Naotunne Vijitha Thera, the head monk of the Dhamma Sarana Buddhist temple in Melbourne, has been charged with sexually abusing six young girls over a period spanning from 1994 to 2002.
The accused, who has led the temple since arriving in Australia in 1994, denies all allegations and has pleaded not guilty in a Victoria County Court trial.
The six complainants, now in their 30s, allege that Vijitha targeted them when they were attendees of the temple’s Sunday school and other activities.
The alleged offenses occurred at the temple’s original Springvale location and later at its purpose-built Keysborough site.
According to court reports, the monk allegedly lured the children to his living quarters, a prayer room, and even during Sunday school sessions, where the abuse took place.
Charges against Vijitha include nine counts of sexual penetration of a child and ten charges of indecent acts with minors under 16. Some victims claim they were digitally penetrated, while others report inappropriate touching or coerced contact with the monk’s genitals.
One complainant recalled the monk apologizing and instructing her not to disclose the abuse. Another reported being lured by the promise of sweets before being assaulted.
The youngest victim was reportedly abused starting at age four until around age 12. Several accusers first disclosed the abuse years ago but only formally reported it to authorities recently, with the investigation intensifying following a Crime Stoppers report in 2021.
The trial is ongoing and expected to last approximately three weeks with the testimonies of the victims and their families forming the core of the evidence.Venerable Vijitha, 71, has remained in court appearing with a Sinhalese interpreter.
His defense counsel has urged the jury to consider the layout of the temple and lack of direct evidence when deliberating.
The Sri Lankan community in Melbourne established the Dhamma Sarana temple where Vijitha served and conducted Sunday school, nurturing a large following.
The case has sent shockwaves through the local community, with families of the victims expressing deep sorrow and betrayal, highlighting the importance of justice and child protection within religious institutions.
