NBC Connecticut
Thursday, Aug 11, 2011 | Updated 6:25 PM EDT
By Bob Connors
A Simsbury priest has been arrested and charged with sexual assault.
Rev. Edward Warnakulasuriya, a priest at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in the Tariffville section of Simsbury, was taken into custody Thursday.
Warnakulasuriya faces three counts of fourth-degree sexual assault, according to police. They did not release details on the circumstances surrounding the alleged crimes.
Warnakulasuriya was appointed Administrator of St. Bernard’s in Aug. 2010 by Hartford Archbishop, Most Rev. Henry Mansell, according to the church’s web site.
The Archdiocese released a statement Thursday evening.
“In light of the police investigation and charges, the Archdiocese of Hartford has placed Fr. Edward Warnakulasuriya on administrative leave, which means he cannot perform his duties as a priest, namely the administration of the Sacraments. We will cooperate fully with the investigation.”
Warnakulasuriya was released on bond and is scheduled to appear in Enfield Superior Court Friday.
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Simsbury Police arrest Catholic priest on sex charges
The Simsbury News
Published: Thursday, August 11, 2011
SIMSBURY — Father Edward Warnakulasuriya, a priest at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, 7 Maple St. Tariffville, was arrested by the Simsbury Police Department Aug. 11. The arrest warrant, issued by Enfield Superior Court, charges that Edward Warnakulasuriya violated Connecticut General Statute Sec. 53a-73a, Sexual Assault in the Fourth Degree (3 counts). He was released on bond and is scheduled to appear at Enfield Superior Court on August 12.