The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has once again suspended the judicial functions of Thilina Gamage, who was serving as the Moratuwa Magistrate and District Judge, amidst an ongoing investigation into allegations of misconduct and irregularities, particularly related to a past case involving the illegal possession of a baby elephant.
Sources said the JSC is currently probing whether Gamage is fit to serve in the judiciary, following serious allegations surrounding his conduct. Investigations have been linked to how he allegedly handled matters relating to elephant trafficking, a case that has trailed him for nearly a decade.
The controversy dates back to May 2015, when the Department of Wildlife Conservation took custody of a baby elephant named “Sakura” that had allegedly been unlawfully kept by Gamage using a forged permit. In May 2016, the JSC suspended him from duties as an Additional Magistrate in Colombo.
Timeline: Judicial Career and Legal Controversies of Thilina Gamage
- May 2015
A baby elephant named Sakura, allegedly kept illegally by Thilina Gamage using a forged permit, is taken into custody by the Department of Wildlife Conservation. - May 2016
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) suspends Thilina Gamage, then serving as an Additional Magistrate in Colombo, pending investigations into the illegal possession of the elephant. - 2 June 2016
Gamage surrenders to the Gangodawila Magistrate’s Court and is released on bail.
Court proceedings are repeatedly delayed due to the absence of CID and Attorney General’s Department officials. - 7 November 2019
The Attorney General files indictments before Colombo High Court Judge Gihan Kulatunga against Gamage and three others, including Chandraratne Bandara Yatawara, under 25 counts related to public property violations. - 16 December 2021
Gamage is acquitted of all criminal charges due to lack of sufficient evidence presented by the Attorney General’s Department. - 2022
He is reinstated to judicial service and appointed as the Magistrate of Colombo Fort. - 23 April 2024
Gamage is appointed Chief Magistrate of Colombo. - 1 January 2025
He is transferred and assumes duties as the Magistrate and District Judge of Moratuwa. The transfer follows a written request submitted by Thilina Gamage to the Judicial Service Commission, seeking the appointment of another magistrate to handle a case pertaining to his brother Sulochana Gamage, involving a bribe of Rs. 8 million. - June 2025
The Judicial Service Commission files formal charges against Gamage over new allegations of misconduct and informs him to respond within 21 days. - August 2025
The JSC suspends Gamage’s duties once again as part of an ongoing inquiry into his conduct, particularly focusing on his involvement in alleged elephant trafficking-related activities.
