The repeater guns purchased by former Parliamentarians from the Ministry of Defence under the programme to allow MPs to purchase two repeater guns have been returned to the Ministry.

The Ministry had informed the Secretary General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadheera in August of this year that MPs would be allowed to purchase two repeater shotguns each from their personal funds, and retain them even after they are out of office.

The Daily Morning queried Defence Ministry Spokesperson, Colonel Nalin Herath as to whether former MPs, allowed to keep repeater guns even after their terms ended, would need to return them. He responded: "All weapons have been returned to the Ministry. Regardless of whether they were issued for free or purchased by the MPs, the weapons must be returned."

The repeater guns, which were to be possessed by MPs, were required to be licensed annually in their respective Districts. MPs had the option to choose from three models. They had however been prohibited from transferring the guns to any other party, and carrying them to the Parliament and other crowded places. It was reported at the time that many of the former MPs had purchased repeater guns soon after the programme was launched.

Since the National People's Power Government was formed last month (September), several parties such as former MPs, their staff members, and personal staff members of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe were asked to return official residences, vehicles, weapons, and other privileges granted to them by the Government.