Buddhist monk Naotunne Vijitha jailed for child sexual abuse in Melbourne temple

Consensus Summary

A 71-year-old Buddhist monk, Naotunne Vijitha, was sentenced to a minimum of nine years and four months in prison—with a total term of 13 years and two months—for sexually abusing six young girls as young as four at a Melbourne temple between 1994 and 2002. The crimes, which took place at the Dhamma Sarana Buddhist temple in Springvale and later Keysborough, were committed while Vijitha held a position of authority as the temple’s chief monk. Both 7NEWS and ABC report that he lured victims with gifts like lollies and toys, abusing them in private spaces while their parents were nearby, unaware of the exploitation. The abuse spanned nearly a decade, ending in 2002 after the temple relocated, but the charges were not filed until 2023, following victims’ reports to police. Vijitha’s conviction on 17 of 19 charges—including sexual penetration and indecent acts—reflects the severity of his crimes, as outlined in a jury trial concluded in October 2025.

The case emerged from decades of silence, with victims only coming forward years after the abuse ended. Judge Pardeep Tiwana emphasized the betrayal of trust, noting that Vijitha’s position as a respected monk in the Sri Lankan Buddhist community made his actions particularly egregious. Parents had no reason to doubt his intentions, yet he exploited their trust to groom and abuse children as young as four. Both articles highlight the lifelong trauma inflicted on the victims, with one describing how the abuse shattered her faith and another noting that even as a child, she had to ‘teach herself not to feel’ to survive. The psychological impact extended to triggers like the sight of saffron robes or the sound of temple chants, as detailed in victim impact statements during the trial.

Vijitha’s sentencing revealed a stark contrast between his public image and his private actions. While supporters in the courtroom bowed to him and waved as he was led away in a prison tracksuit, victims expressed disbelief and anger, with one calling the reactions ‘ridiculous.’ Vijitha himself showed no remorse, continuing to deny responsibility despite overwhelming evidence. Judge Tiwana’s description of Vijitha as having a ‘dark and disturbing side’ underscored the disconnect between his outward respectability and his predatory behavior. Both outlets note that Vijitha, a Swedish citizen born in Sri Lanka, had previously held profound respect in the community, which only deepened the shock of his crimes. His legal team argued during the trial that he did not remember some complainants, but the jury rejected these claims.

While both articles align on key facts—such as the timeline, charges, and sentencing—there are subtle differences in emphasis. 7NEWS includes specific victim quotes, such as the woman in her 30s describing the loss of her nine-year-old self, while ABC focuses more on the psychological triggers affecting survivors, like the distress caused by temple-related stimuli. Additionally, 7NEWS provides helpline resources for sexual abuse support, whereas ABC highlights Vijitha’s willingness to return to Sweden upon deportation, a detail not mentioned in the other article. The only minor contradiction lies in the charge count: 7NEWS specifies 17 of 19 charges, while ABC lists 9 sexual penetration counts and 8 indecent act counts, which may imply a slight discrepancy in how the charges were framed.

The case now leaves Vijitha facing deportation after his sentence, with both sources confirming he has expressed a willingness to return to Sweden. The unresolved aspect of the story is the long-term impact on the victims, who will carry the trauma for the rest of their lives. The sentencing also raises questions about accountability within religious institutions and the challenges of holding figures of authority accountable for abuse. While the legal process has concluded, the emotional and social repercussions for the victims—and the broader community—will likely persist for years to come.