Sr Mary Eliza of Missionaries of Charity, founded by Mother Teresa of Calcutta, was released from prison without any charges today.
The court also ordered the release of Sr Mary’s passport and all documents of the Prem Nivasa (House of Love) convent seized for the purposes of an investigation into alleged irregularities at the home for pregnant mothers.
Allegations surround suspicions that the sisters harboured girls who had become pregnant aged under 16 – the age of consent – and also that money may have corruptly changed hands for the adoption of babies.
The sisters strenuously denied the allegations, however the head of the convent, Sr Mary Eliza was imprisoned pending the outcome of and investigation.
The allegations came after a raid on Prem Nivasa last month organised by the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA), also involving the Criminal Investigation Department.
Prior to the court’s ruling, Father Cyril Gamini, the parish priest of the nearby St Joseph’s Church described the allegations as “rubbish”.
Hiranthi Wijemanne, a former chairperson of the NCPA, however said that the raid on the convent took place because of a tip-off from somebody who has not been publicly named.
Throughout the ordeal the sisters continue to spend much time in prayer, and said they want to continue their ministry to the poor.
Sr Mary Eliza is the first sister of Missionaries of Charity to ever be imprisoned. She enjoyed the support of the head of the order who came to Sri Lankaha during the distress.
Sources