Wayside bandits haunt people travelling Malabe-Ambathale road in Colombo

Colombo, Dec 24 (Daily Mirror) - Special security measures have been introduced in response to multiple complaints from residents regarding frequent robberies, including vehicle thefts, along Chandrika Kumaratunga Mawatha, which runs from Malabe to Ambathale in Colombo.

The road falls under the jurisdiction of the Mulleriyawa and Malabe police stations.

Local residents have reported a surge in criminal activity along this stretch of road, with thieves employing various tactics such as placement of spiked wooden planks to puncture the tyres of moving vehicles, blocking the way with boulders to stop vehicles and rob passengers of their valuables afterwards.

Residents said that they even fear traveling on the road after 6 pm due to the lack of street lights and the area's very deserted nature.

Residents also claimed that the robbers arrive with various weapons, steal gold and money, and then flee into the wooded areas on both sides of the road.

They have urged authorities to increase the number of police mobile patrols in the area, as the lack of street lights and the deserted nature of the road are major factors contributing to the prevalence of such robberies.

In response to the issue, Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof convened a meeting with police and relevant officials. During the discussion, he assured full support for measures to ensure the area becomes safer and more public-friendly.

As a result of the meeting, it was agreed to increase police patrols along Chandrika Kumaratunga Mawatha, increase security at both entrances to the road, and implement measures such as installing street lights and CCTV cameras.

In addition, the Governor instructed to establish police checkpoints at strategic locations.

Also, attention was paid to bring the area which is currently under the Urban Development Authority, to the oversight of the Mulleriyawa and Malabe Pradeshiya Sabhas.