Sri Lanka, June 19 -- A statement has been issued in response to the case involving Tufts Buddhist Chaplain Ven. Vineetha Mahayaye, who was among seven men arrested on Saturday by the Boston Police Department's Human Trafficking Unit on allegations of attempting to pay for sexual acts.

The statement, issued by Professor Derangala Kusalagnana Thera on behalf of Pahyangala Anandasagara Thera, said the matter is currently under investigation and should not be prejudged.

According to the statement, Pahyangala Anandasagara Thera clarified that Mahayaya Vinita Thera is no longer a monk, having left the monastic order on May 16.

Kusalagnana Thera further requested the media to refrain from using the ordained name "Ven. Vineetha Mahayaye" and...