Reports have emerged of a robbery racket operating near Chandrika Kumaratunga Mawatha in Malabe, close to Ambatale, where thieves are allegedly using nailed planks on the road to puncture vehicle tires.

Residents say that the robbers, armed with various weapons, then steal valuables such as gold and money before fleeing the scene.

In response to these incidents, the Governor of the Western Province, Hanif Yusuf, has instructed local authorities, including the police, to implement a special security plan for the area.

A meeting between the Governor and local police officers led to the decision to enhance security by increasing police patrols, installing CCTV cameras, adding lampposts, and setting up police guardhouses at key locations.