Senior Sri Lankan Monk Found Guilty of Historical Child Sexual Abuse in Melbourne Temple

Naotunne Vijitha, the 70-year-old head monk of the Dhamma Sarana Buddhist temple in Melbourne, has been found guilty of multiple historical child sexual offences against six girls aged between four and 12, committed between 1994 and 2002. The County Court jury convicted him on 17 of 19 charges, including sexual penetration and indecent acts, while deliberations continue on one remaining charge. Prosecutors detailed how Vijitha abused his position of authority, luring victims with sweets into his living quarters and committing assaults in various temple locations. Despite his denial and his barrister's argument questioning the reliability of decades-old allegations, the court heard from victims and their families who testified to his abuse. The verdict has deeply affected the temple community, and Vijitha faces over a decade in prison under Victorian law. His conviction marks a significant outcome in addressing historical child sexual abuse within religious institutions in Australia.