Naotunne Vijitha, monk who preyed on girls at Melbourne temple, sentenced to 13 years' jail
Naotunne Vijitha, a former Buddhist monk in Melbourne, has been sentenced to 13 years and two months in prison for sexually abusing six young girls. The judge condemned his actions as a severe betrayal of trust, noting that the victims were preyed upon for his own gratification.
Why it matters
The case highlights the abuse of power within religious institutions and the ongoing legal efforts to hold perpetrators of child sexual abuse accountable.
Naotunne Vijitha arrives at Victoria's County Court in October 2025. ( AAP: James Ross, file )
A County Court judge ordered Naotunne Vijitha, 71, to serve 13 years and two months for sexually abusing six girls at a Melbourne temple.
Vijitha was the chief monk at the Dhamma Sarana temple in Melbourne’s south-east, a position that earned him respect among the Sri Lankan Buddhist community.
Vijitha faces likely deportation at the end of his sentence and said he was willing to return to Sweden, the court heard.
Link copied Share Share article A Buddhist monk who sexually abused six young girls at his Melbourne temple has been jailed for 13 years and two months, with a judge calling his crimes a "betrayal" of trust.
Warning: This story contains details of sexual assault.
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