Colombo Chief Magistrate Thilina Gamage has requested the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) to transfer the bribery case against former Western Provincial Councillor Salochana Gamage and another individual to a different court.

The Chief Magistrate cited a conflict of interest, as one of the defendants, Salochana Gamage, is his brother, making it inappropriate for him to preside over the case. He formally requested the JSC to appoint another magistrate to handle the hearings.

On Saturday (28), the Colombo Additional Magistrate ordered Salochana Gamage and a businessman, who were arrested for allegedly accepting a Rs. 9 million bribe, to be remanded in custody until 6 January 2025.

The duo was apprehended by officers of the Bribery Commission in Pita Kotte while allegedly accepting the bribe from another businessman. The bribe was reportedly linked to expediting compensation for a land in Torrington Avenue, acquired by the Urban Development Authority (UDA).