Defence Ministry orders to surrender all firearms issued to civilians

The Ministry of Defence has announced that all firearms and ammunition provided to civilians for self-defence will be acquired by the government and that they must be handed over to the relevant authorities before 07 November. 

Furthermore, the Defence Ministry stated that they will be returned pending a review and consideration of the need to possess such firearms.

A decision has been taken to take over all firearms issued for personal protection to civilians by the Ministry of Defence.  

This decision was in accordance to the powers vested to the Defence Secretary under Sections 6(1) and 6(2) of the Firearms Ordinance Act No. 33 of 1916, to take over firearms on temporary basis to the government. 

Further, this decision is taken subjected to reissue them after a review process, the ministry said in a statement. 

Accordingly, all licensees are informed to hand over their firearms and ammunition issued, to the Commercial Explosive Firearms and Ammunition Procurement Unit (CEFAP) at Sri Lanka Navy camp in Welisara before November 07, 2024. 

A copy of the acceptance receipt issued by the CEFAP should be handed over to the Civil Security and Development Division office established at the main entrance of the Ministry of Defence.

The Ministry of Defence said it will initiate legal action against those who fail to return their firearms and ammunition before the given date in accordance with the Firearm Ordinance Act No. 33 of 1916.

It is further informed that this does not apply to firearms issued by the Ministry of Defence for the protection of property / crop and sports activities.