• Repeaters and semi-automatic .12Ga shotguns on offer
• MPs must buy the guns and keep licences renewed
• MPs get to keep shotguns even if they are no longer in P’ment if licence is renewed

Following concerns raised by several Members of Parliament (MPs) about their personal security, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has moved to inform them that they can now obtain two licensed repeater shotguns for their protection, The Sunday Morning learns.

This is in addition to the semi-automatic pistol which MPs are entitled to obtain for personal protection. 

It is learnt that the shotguns obtained through this facility can be retained even after the licensee exits Parliament, on the basis that the licence is maintained and renewed annually.

In July, the Secretary General of Parliament had informed members of their eligibility to obtain two ‘repeater’ shotguns for the protection of their persons and property. 

The decision to make available such firepower had come via a letter from the MOD.

It is learnt that several MPs had requested an increase of their capacity to protect themselves following the murder of a Government Minister and the torching of several homes belonging to members during the civil unrest which followed the 9 May 2022 assault on ‘Aragalaya’ protesters at Galle Face in Colombo.

When contacted by The Sunday Morning, Secretary General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera confirmed that a letter had been sent informing the MPs about the option. 

“Some members had made requests regarding their personal security following the troubles which happened two years ago, due to which the MOD is giving them an option to purchase. We are just informing the members,” Rohanadeera said.

Sources at the MOD told The Sunday Morning that the conditions placed on obtaining the facility included buying the firearms and obtaining/maintaining a licence for the shotguns. 

“They have to pay to purchase the guns and they have to renew the licence each year. Also, the firearm licence issued for it has to be kept current and is a non-transferable type,” said an MOD senior official, who wished to remain unnamed, adding that the licence the firearms were issued under barred them from being sold.

It is learnt that three types of shotguns manufactured in Turkey, one repeater pump action type, and two semi-automatic variants of .12-gauge calibre are available for purchase from a State entity priced between Rs. 250,000-400,000 each.