October 05, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Defense has issued a directive requiring all civilians in possession of firearms and ammunition for personal protection to temporarily surrender them to the government for a review process. In an official statement released this evening, the Ministry clarified that the firearms will be returned following the review.
All licensed firearm holders are instructed to surrender their weapons 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 has cautioned that failure to comply with the order by the November 7 deadline will result in legal action under the Firearms Ordinance.
The directive specifically exempts firearms issued by the Ministry for property protection, agricultural safeguarding, and sports purposes.
