Police surrounded the Jasinghamulla forest in Ranala following reports that two individuals involved in the armed robbery at a government bank had hidden in the forest.

An eyewitness told police that two individuals carrying a gun and a bag ran away through a paddy field.

Four people were involved in the armed robbery in Labugama area, Hanwella. They arrived at the bank in two motorbikes wearing full-face helmets, and had three firearms with them. After robbing the bank of Rs. 1.5 to 2 million, they sped away in a three wheeler and a motorbike, abandoning the other near the bank.