Manhunt continues for armed gunmen

COLOMBO (News 1^st) - The Police Special Task Force is carrying out a search operation in the Wilpita reserve in Kamburupitiya, in search of two suspects from the recent armed robbery in Matara which led to the death of a police constable. An individual who has been identified by police as a member of the underworld in the Southern part of the country was killed in a shootout with the Police STF at about 7:45 PM on Monday (June 25) on the Kamburupitya-Akuressa road in Wilpita, Matara. After being tipped off that an armed group was seen in the Kamburupitiya area, the Police STF established several checkpoints in the area. A three-wheeler had reportedly ignored police officers who had flagged down the vehicle, prompting the STF to give chase in an SUV. According to the Police, the three-wheeler turned into the Wilpita reserve following which the men in the vehicle had disembarked and opened fire on the STF personnel pursuing them. The STF officers had returned fire injuring one of the suspects who later succumbed to his wounds at the Kamburupitiya Base Hospital. The deceased suspect has been identified as Sudu Akuruge Manel Rohana, alias "Thilak". The police say that Thilak is a key member of the Southern underworld gang led by Makandure Madush. Police have also recovered a T56 firearm from the scene of the shooting. The other men in the three-wheeler had fled the scene following which the STF commenced a search operation in and around the Wilpita reserve. Acting Magistrate of Matara Upali Ranasinghe visited the scene of the shooting this morning. Meanwhile, IGP Pujith Jayasundara visited the National Hospital in Colombo today to inquire into the well being of a police officer who was wounded in the shootout with the gang of armed thieves in the Matara town. The IGP also visited the home of the Police constable who was slain in the line of duty in Matara recently. The Inspector General of Police handed over a sum of Rs. 3,560,000 to the widow of the slain police officer from the IGP's fund. The Sri Lanka Police and the Seva Vanitha Unit also promised to assist in the education of their fallen comrade's children. An event was also held in Matara today (June 26) under the auspices of the IGP to felicitate individuals who had come to the aid of the wounded police officers following the shooting. Our reporter noted that the IGP presented cheques of Rs. 50,000 each to 5 individuals, in recognition of their bravery and heroism.