More than 50 firearms have been returned in response to a notice requiring civilians to temporarily hand over firearms and ammunition, according to sources from the Ministry of Defence.
This action was taken under the powers granted to the Defence Secretary by Sections 6(1) and 6(2) of the Firearms Ordinance Act No. 33 of 1916, allowing the government to temporarily seize firearms. The Ministry has stated that the firearms will be reissued after a thorough review process.
License holders have been instructed to submit their firearms and ammunition to the Commercial Explosive Firearms and Ammunition Procurement Unit (CEFAP) at the Sri Lanka Navy camp in Welisara before November 7, 2024.
Currently, around 50 firearms have been returned, although the Ministry has issued approximately 1,650 firearm licenses for various purposes.
The Ministry stressed that all firearms and ammunition must be handed over by the specified date, warning that legal action will be taken against those who fail to comply, in accordance with the Firearms Ordinance Act No. 33 of 1916.
It was also clarified that this regulation does not apply to firearms issued for property or crop protection, or for sporting activities.
