Magistrate Thilina Gamage’s duties suspended

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has suspended the judicial functions of Thilina Gamage, who served as both a Magistrate and District Judge in Moratuwa.

The suspension has been imposed due to an ongoing investigation being carried out by the JSC regarding allegations of misconduct against him. 

In a written notice issued yesterday the Commission has called upon Gamage to submit explanations within 21 days.

The inquiry primarily pertains to Gamage’s alleged involvement in illegal activities related to elephant trafficking. In June, the JSC filed a formal charge sheet against him.

According to the allegations, Gamage had illegally kept a baby elephant named “Sakura” in his possession using a forged permit, thereby committing an offense under the Public Property Act. 

The Attorney General has filed an indictment against him under 25 counts related to these charges.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) initially launched an inquiry into Gamage’s alleged illegal custody of the baby elephant, which was eventually handed back to the Department of Wildlife Conservation in May 2015.