Temporary Seizure of Civilian Firearms Announced by Ministry of Defense

The Ministry of Defense has instructed that all firearms and ammunition issued to civilians for personal protection must be temporarily surrendered to the government.

COLOMBO (News 1st): In an official statement issued this evening, the Ministry explained that this measure is intended to allow for a review process, and subsequent return of the items.

All license holders have been instructed to surrender their firearms and ammunition to the Sri Lanka Navy Base in Welisara by November 7.

Upon surrender, a copy of the receipt must be submitted to the reception of the Civil Security Department, near the main gate of the Ministry of Defense.

The Ministry of Defense has warned that failure to surrender firearms by November 7 will result in legal action under the Firearms Ordinance.

The directive does not apply to firearms issued by the Ministry of Defense for property protection, agricultural safeguarding, or sports purposes.