The Judicial Service Commission has formally removed former Colombo Chief Magistrate and Moratuwa District Judge Thilina Gamage from service after finding him guilty of all charges in a disciplinary inquiry. The disciplinary ruling concludes an investigation into allegations of misconduct regarding the possession of a baby elephant under a permit allegedly secured through fraudulent means.
The controversy originated with an investigation conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department into the alleged illegal possession of the elephant, named Sakura. In May 2015, the animal was handed over to the Department of Wildlife Conservation. Following the emergence of the allegations, the Judicial Service Commission suspended Gamage in 2016 while he was serving as an Additional Magistrate in Colombo.
On November 7, 2019, indictments were filed in the Colombo High Court against Gamage, Chandraratna Bandara Yatawara, and two others in connection with the matter. However, on December 16, 2021, the Attorney General’s Department withdrew the criminal charges against Gamage, citing insufficient evidence. Despite the withdrawal of the criminal indictment, administrative disciplinary proceedings continued independently.
Key Developments
- May 2015: The elephant named Sakura was handed over to the Department of Wildlife Conservation following a Criminal Investigation Department inquiry.
- 2016: The Judicial Service Commission suspended Gamage from duties as an Additional Magistrate in Colombo.
- November 7, 2019: High Court indictments were filed against Gamage, Chandraratna Bandara Yatawara, and two other individuals.
- December 16, 2021: The Attorney General’s Department withdrew criminal charges against Gamage over insufficient evidence.
- June 2025: The Judicial Service Commission issued a formal charge sheet to pursue independent disciplinary proceedings.
- August 2025: Gamage was formally notified in writing on August 1 regarding his suspension and disciplinary steps, receiving a 21-day window to respond.
- Removal: The Judicial Service Commission concluded the inquiry, found Gamage guilty on all counts, and ordered his removal from judicial service.
The decision brings an end to the prolonged disciplinary process against Gamage, who had remained suspended from his official judicial functions pending the final outcome of the commission’s inquiry.