One person from a five member gang, attempting to rob the house of a journalist in Bambalapitiya, was shot dead after police opened fire. Three police officers were also injured in the incident this morning.
The alleged gang of robbers had entered the residence, located in Dickman’s Road, at around 2.00am today, while the house owners had reported this to the police via the 119 - emergency hotline.
Acting immediately police officers had surrounded the residence and confronted the robbers, resulting in a clash between the suspects and the policemen.
One of the robbers had stabbed a police officer in the neck during the exchange prompting another officer to open fire.
One of the suspects was wounded in the shooting and succumbed to injuries after being admitted to the Colombo National Hospital.
The other four members of the gang have been arrested and are currently receiving treatment at the Colombo National Hospital under heavy police security.
The residence targeted by the robbers belongs to Mandana Ismail Abeywickrama, the president of the Sri Lanka Journalists Trade Union and journalist for a local newspaper.
