The Colombo Chief Magistrate, Thilina Gamage, has formally requested the Judicial Service Commission to assign another judge to oversee a high-profile corruption case involving a former Western Provincial Councilor. The case concerns Salochana Gamage, who was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs. 9 million.
In a letter addressed to the Secretary of the Judicial Service Commission, Magistrate Thilina Gamage stated that Salochana Gamage is his brother, making it inappropriate for him to preside over the proceedings. He clarified that while the judiciary entrusted him with handling corruption-related cases, this particular situation creates a conflict of interest that prevents him from delivering a fair judgment.
The Magistrate further requested the Judicial Service Commission to appoint another suitable magistrate for the case and assured that he has no personal involvement with the case or its outcomes.
The case stems from a complaint made by a businessman from the Kotte-Madiwala area, who reported the alleged bribe to CIABOC. Following investigations, Salochana Gamage and another suspect were arrested in Madiwala on December 28. The suspects were subsequently remanded in custody until January 6, 2025, as ordered by Colombo Additional Magistrate Bandara Ilangasinghe.
This development highlights the judiciary’s commitment to upholding transparency and impartiality in cases involving public officials.