Only 30 out of 1,690 firearms issued to VIPs returned 

By Hemantha Randunu

Out of 1,690 firearms issued to various ‘VIPs’ in recent years, only 30 have been returned to the Welisara Navy Camp following a notice from the Ministry of Defence instructing the return of all weapons issued to civilians for personal security.

Defence sources revealed that a large numbers of firearms had been issued without proper threat assessments to businessmen, politicians, and other affluent individuals over the past several years.

Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasuriya told The Island that these ‘VIPs’ had obtained police reports from police stations across the country, claiming to face various threats.

Some politicians, particularly those who were part of the Ranil Wickremesinghe administration, are said to have secured up to 10 firearms each. According to police sources, some of these weapons have gone missing.

The Ministry of Defence recently recalled all firearms issued to civilians for personal security. Over 100 MPs are among those who received those weapons. The Defence Ministry has said the firearms will be reissued if threat assessments indicate genuine safety concerns.

In August 2024, the Defence Ministry introduced a mechanism allowing MPs to purchase up to two shotguns with their personal funds. It allowed them to select repeater shotguns from the following models: Panser Arms 12 Bore Pump Action Shotgun Model SS12 (Rs 258,218.36), Panser Arms 12 Bore Ambidextrous Mag Fed Semi Auto Shotgun Model G2 Pro—Colour Black (Rs 363,117.89), or Panser Arms 12 Bore Ambidextrous Mag Fed Semi Auto Shotgun Model G2 Pro—Colour Desert (Rs 387,386.84).