The Ministry of Defence has announced that more than 50 firearms have been returned so far, following its directive for civilians to temporarily surrender firearms and ammunition issued to them. This decision is in accordance with the powers granted to the Defence Secretary under Sections 6(1) and 6(2) of the Firearms Ordinance Act No. 33 of 1916, which allows the government to temporarily take control of civilian-held firearms. The returned firearms will be reviewed before being reissued.
The Ministry of Defence has informed all firearm license holders to submit their weapons and ammunition to the Commercial Explosive Firearms and Ammunition Procurement Unit (CEFAP) located at the Sri Lanka Navy camp in Welisara by November 7, 2024.
So far, over 50 firearms have been submitted, but there are approximately 1,650 licensed firearms in total, issued for various purposes. The Ministry stressed that those who fail to comply with the directive by the given deadline will face legal action under the Firearms Ordinance Act.
It was also clarified that firearms used for property or crop protection, as well as those for sporting activities, are exempt from this regulation.
