Sri Lankan-Born Buddhist Monk Sentenced to 13 Years and Two Months in Australia for Abusing Six Girls
MELBOURNE, Australia — 08/10/2026
A 71-year-old Buddhist monk who sexually abused six young girls at a Melbourne Buddhist temple has been sentenced to 13 years and two months in prison by the Victorian County Court.
Naotunne Vijitha, who was the chief monk at the Dhamma Sarana Buddhist Temple in Melbourne’s south-east, was sentenced on Thursday after being convicted last year of 17 sexual offences involving children.
The court heard that the offences occurred between 1994 and 2002, when the victims were aged between four and 12 years old. The abuse took place at the temple in Springvale and later Keysborough.
According to evidence presented during the trial, Vijitha used his position of authority and the trust placed in him by families to gain access to the children. The court heard that he sometimes lured the girls with sweets, toys and books while their parents were nearby at the temple.
In October 2025, a jury found Vijitha guilty of nine counts of sexual penetration of a child and eight counts of committing an indecent act with a child. He was acquitted of two other charges.
Judge describes a profound betrayal of trust
Sentencing Judge Pardeep Tiwana described the offending as a serious betrayal of the trust placed in Vijitha by children and their families.
The judge said the victims had been entitled to feel safe at a place of worship where they attended to learn and practise Buddhism.
The court heard powerful victim impact statements describing the long-term effects of the abuse, including difficulties with relationships, trust, social life and emotional wellbeing.
Vijitha has continued to deny responsibility and, according to the court, has shown no remorse for the offences. His lawyers had previously argued that he was in poor health.
Minimum nine years before parole eligibility
Vijitha must serve a minimum of nine years and four months before becoming eligible for parole. He has already spent 343 days in pre-sentence detention.
The court also heard that Vijitha faces the prospect of deportation from Australia after completing his sentence. He indicated that he would be willing to return to Sweden.
Vijitha was born in Sri Lanka and was ordained as a Buddhist monk at the age of 15. He later moved to Sweden and obtained Swedish citizenship before moving to Melbourne in 1994 to take up the position of chief monk at Dhamma Sarana Buddhist Temple.
The case has drawn attention within Melbourne’s Sri Lankan Buddhist community because of the position of trust and authority Vijitha held for many years.
Paris Telegraph — Australia Correspondent
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