Chief monk sentenced to 13 years for sexually abusing girls at Melbourne temple
Chief monk Naotunne Vijitha, 71, sentenced to 13 years for abusing six girls at Melbourne temple.
A County Court judge has sentenced Naotunne Vijitha, the chief monk at Dhamma Sarana temple in Melbourne's south-east, to 13 years and two months for sexually abusing six young girls over eight years. Vijitha held a position of enormous respect in the Sri Lankan Buddhist community, which meant parents felt safe leaving children in his care.
Vijitha lured the victims into his living quarters and abused them repeatedly, often while their parents were in nearby rooms. The judge described Vijitha as having a dark and disturbing side and called his crimes a betrayal of trust.
The victims came forward to police in 2023, decades after the abuse ended. Vijitha must serve a minimum of nine years and four months before becoming eligible for parole.
He faces likely deportation to Sweden at the end of his sentence.
- Naotunne Vijitha, 71
- Chief monk
- 1994 to 2002, six girls
- Abuse timespan
Why it mattersThe case exposes how religious authority and cultural respect can be exploited to conceal child abuse. It holds a respected figure accountable and validates victims who came forward decades later.
AustraliaAustralians in religious communities are reminded that no position or tradition protects anyone from criminal justice; the conviction supports child safety protocols in faith organisations across the country.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 h ago
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