By Reka Tharangani Fonseka 

A gang of six robbers, armed with sharp weapons, entered the Ratmalana Railway Workshop yesterday and attempted to steal a stock of wire. Security officers opened fire, injuring one of the robbers.

Two railway employees were injured during the scuffle when the robbers attacked them with sharp weapons.

According to a security officer, the injured robber was shot below the knee, while one of the employees sustained wounds to his neck and hands from the attackers.

A senior security official at the workshop stated that they had received complaints about wire thefts from the electrical section and had strengthened security in response.

The official explained that the gang forced their way into the workshop and assaulted the employees. When the security officers opened fire, injuring one of the robbers, the rest of the gang fled.

Both the injured robber and one of the railway employees were admitted to the Colombo South Teaching Hospital in Kalubowila. Mount Lavinia Police are investigating the incident.