The Judicial Service Commission has decided to dismiss Thilina Gamage, former Colombo Chief Magistrate and former Moratuwa District Judge, after finding him guilty of all charges levelled against him in a disciplinary inquiry.
Gamage had been suspended from duties pending the outcome of the inquiry.
The disciplinary proceedings relate to allegations of misconduct involving the possession of a baby elephant named Sakura under a permit allegedly obtained fraudulently.
In August 2025, the Judicial Service Commission took steps to suspend Gamage, who had served as the District Judge and Magistrate of Moratuwa, as part of its investigation into the allegations. He was formally notified in writing on Aug. 1 and asked to respond within 21 days.
The Commission had filed a charge sheet against him in June 2025 in connection with the matter.
The case dates back to an investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department into the alleged illegal possession of the baby elephant. The elephant was handed over to the Department of Wildlife Conservation in May 2015.
In 2016, the Judicial Service Commission suspended Gamage’s duties while he was serving as an additional magistrate in Colombo.
On Nov. 7, 2019, indictments were filed before the Colombo High Court against Gamage, Chandraratna Bandara Yatawara and two others.
However, the Attorney General’s Department withdrew the charges against Gamage on Dec. 16, 2021, citing insufficient evidence. (Newswire)