Victims decry ‘insane’ supporters who lauded child-abusing monk
Victims of a remorseless former Buddhist head monk who targeted young girls have expressed disbelief as he was lauded by supporters while being led to prison.
Naotunne Vijitha, 71, closed his eyes for a brief moment as he was sentenced for sexually abusing girls as young as four at his temple.
Naotunne Vijitha pictured outside court in 2025. AAP Image/James Ross
Decades on from the monk's "egregious" offending, Victorian County Court Judge Pardeep Tiwana on Thursday jailed him for a minimum of nine years and four months.
"People in positions of authority like you provide solace and direction to many," he said.
"When that is betrayed, a significant term of imprisonment must follow."
Inside the packed courtroom, Vijitha smiled, waved and spoke to supporters who bowed to him as he was being led out of the dock.
His victims sat watching on, with one labelling the acts "ridiculous".
"Oh my God, these people are insane. Do they not have ears?" she said.
The abuse began in 1994 after the Swedish national moved to Melbourne to become head monk of the Dhamma Sarana Buddhist temple at Springvale in Melbourne's southeast.
It continued until 2002 after the temple relocated to neighbouring suburb Keysborough.
Vijitha was convicted following a jury trial in October 2025 over the abuse that occurred inside his temple living quarters, a prayer room and at Sunday school.
He would lure kids with lollies, toys and books while their parents helped out at his temple.
Jurors found the monk guilty on 17 of 19 charges of sexual penetration and committing an indecent act with a child under 16 and acquitted him of two indecent act charges.
Vijitha Naotunne was sentenced for sexually abusing girls as young as four at his temple. James Ross/AAP
The six victims were aged between four and 12 when abused.
In powerful victim impact statements, they described the lifelong trauma his abuse has had on them, their relationships, careers, social lives and inability to trust men.
One woman, now in her 30s, said parts of her nine-year-old self would "never come back".
"He didn't just violate my body," she previously told the court.
"He poisoned my faith that I was born into."
Another victim said of all the medals and trophies she had won as a child, her greatest achievement in "the face of pure evil" was that she lived a life of kindness and empathy.
Tiwana set a head sentence of 13 years and two months, describing how the monk used his power to exploit young children and “transgressed every boundary”.
"The parents had no concerns about the safety of their child in your presence," he said.
"You betrayed this immense trust in the most unexpected way."
Vijitha continues to deny any responsibility and has expressed no remorse, the judge said.
"I hope after hearing these victim impact statements, you are able to reflect on the turmoil you've caused on their lives," he said.
He has spent 343 days in pre-sentence detention and faces deportation upon release.
AAP
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732). In an emergency, dial Triple Zero (000). Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25).
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