– The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has decided to remove former Colombo Chief Magistrate and former Moratuwa District Judge Thilina Gamage from service after finding him guilty of all charges levelled against him in a disciplinary inquiry.

The decision was taken following the conclusion of the disciplinary proceedings against Gamage, who had been suspended from duties pending the outcome of the inquiry.The disciplinary investigation concerned allegations of misconduct relating to the possession of a baby elephant named Sakura under a permit allegedly obtained fraudulently.The case originated from an investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) into the alleged illegal possession of the elephant, which was handed over to the Department of Wildlife Conservation in May 2015.In 2016, the Judicial Service Commission suspended Gamage from his duties while he was serving as an Additional Magistrate in Colombo.

Subsequently, on November 7, 2019, indictments were filed before the Colombo High Court against Gamage, Chandraratna Bandara Yatawara and two others in connection with the case.However, the Attorney General’s Department withdrew the criminal charges against Gamage on December 16, 2021, citing insufficient evidence.The disciplinary proceedings were pursued separately. In June 2025, the JSC filed a charge sheet against Gamage in connection with the allegations.In August 2025, the Commission took further steps regarding his suspension as part of the disciplinary process. Gamage was formally notified in writing on August 1 and was asked to submit his response within 21 days.