Nilushan Jayanga Silva Ginthota Vidhanage, a 37-year-old Sri Lankan national, has been sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison for raping an elderly woman while working as a caregiver and for attempting to abduct an 11-year-old girl. The sentencing took place at Christchurch District Court in New Zealand on July 6, 2026. Vidhanage will be deported to Sri Lanka after serving one-third of his sentence.
Rape of elderly resident in care home
The court heard that Vidhanage raped an elderly woman at a residential care home where he was employed as a caregiver. The victim had physical and mental vulnerabilities, making her particularly susceptible to abuse. Prosecutor described the crime as 'a more serious breach of trust,' highlighting the violation of the caregiver-resident relationship.
Judge Jane Farish stated: 'You're there to provide cares because they can no longer do that for themselves, and you abuse that trust, and that has caused huge issues in relation to that feeling of trust that families have when they place their elderly loved ones into care.'
Attempted abduction of schoolgirl
In a separate incident, Vidhanage approached an 11-year-old girl as she was walking home from school. He stopped his car, offered her a cigarette, and then asked if she wanted a ride. When she declined, he forcefully tried to direct her into the vehicle. The girl ran away, bravely noted down the license plate, and reported the incident to her mother. Police apprehended Vidhanage shortly after.
Judge Farish commended the girl's courage: 'At that point, she ran away very wisely and waited until you had left. And then as she was returning home she saw your vehicle, very courageously and bravely took down the number plate, went straight home and told her mother and you were subsequently apprehended.'
Impact on care home and staff
The manager of the care home expressed profound distress over the attack, stating that it had shaken the staff and residents. The manager said: 'Residents should feel safe, cared for and loved in their home. This has shaken myself and staff to our core causing deep emotional distress which has exhibited physically in some of the team.' The manager also noted that the home had conducted a 'robust employment vetting process' before hiring Vidhanage and had no previous reason to question his suitability.
Police response and deportation
Detective Tone Kopelani of the New Zealand Police described the offending as 'very distressing for all those concerned' and emphasized the importance of supporting vulnerable victims. He added that police do not believe there are additional victims from the care home but urged anyone with concerns to come forward.
Judge Farish ordered Vidhanage's deportation after he serves one-third of his sentence, noting that he targeted vulnerable victims in both attacks.
