COLOMBO – Colombo Chief Magistrate Thilina Gamage has formally requested the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to transfer a bribery case, involving his brother, to another court due to a potential conflict of interest.
The case, filed by the Commission to Investigation Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), involves two individuals, including former Western Provincial Councillor Salochana Gamage, brother of Magistrate Thilina Gamage, who is accused of soliciting a bribe of 9 million rupees. The Chief Magistrate stated that his familial relationship with one of the defendants prevents him from proceeding with the hearings impartially.
In a written request to the JSC, Magistrate Gamage emphasized the importance of maintaining judicial integrity and urged the commission to appoint another suitable magistrate to handle the case.
The bribery allegations stem from an incident on Saturday (28), when officers of the Bribery Commission arrested Salochana Gamage and a businessman while they were allegedly accepting a bribe of 9 million rupees. The bribe was reportedly taken in exchange for expediting compensation for a plot of land on Torrington Avenue, acquired by the Urban Development Authority (UDA).
Following the arrests, the Colombo Additional Magistrate ordered both accused to be remanded in custody until January 6, 2025.
This case highlights the commitment of the judiciary to uphold ethical standards and ensure impartiality in legal proceedings, even in cases involving close familial ties.
-ENCL
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