Colonel Nalin Herath, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, announced that individuals who fail to comply with the Ministry’s directive to return all firearms and ammunition issued to civilians by the previous government by the 7th of next month will face legal action. After this deadline, legal proceedings will be initiated, and further action will be taken. He made this statement to the publication “Mawrata.”
It has been revealed that over 1,600 firearms were distributed under the previous administration.
The Ministry of Defense possesses detailed records of individuals who currently hold these firearms. Those who disregard the order may face penalties under the authority granted to the Secretary of Defense by the Firearms Ordinance Act No. 33 of 1916. The Ministry has the power to conduct emergency raids to enforce the law against violators.
However, the Ministry clarified that this directive does not apply to firearms issued for the protection of property, prevention of crop damage, or for activities overseen by the Ministry of Sports.
