Policeman, two gangsters killed in shootout

Rafik Jalaldeen

COLOMBO: A Police sergeant and two gangsters were killed in a shootout in Weragama, Wadduwa in the wee hours of yesterday.

According to SSP Panadura Upali Ranasinghe they received a phone call informing them that a group of robbers had broken into a house and a 15 member police team and 10 Army personnel were rushed to the spot. "When the Security Forces closed in on the gangsters there was firing from inside the house. The Forces fired back.

"During the shootout Police Sergeant Sirisena Siriwardana, 55, was fatally injured. The Forces shot dead two gangsters while three others fled from the scene," the SSP added.

A T56 rifle and a hand grenade were found at the scene of the incident.

A search was launched by the Police and Army to apprehend the remaining gang members.