• MOD extends deadline for civilian handovers

Approximately 400 weapons have already been handed over in response to a Government directive aimed at civilians possessing firearms for personal protection, according to a well-placed Government source.

This measure comes amid a review process intended to enhance regulation and oversight of privately held arms.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) initially required all licensed firearm holders to surrender their weapons and ammunition to the Commercial Explosives, Firearms, and Ammunition Procurement Unit (CEFAP) at the Sri Lanka Navy camp in Welisara by 7 November. 

However, due to logistical challenges and appeals from various stakeholders, including licence holders currently overseas, the ministry announced an extension of this deadline to 21 November.

In an official statement earlier this month, the MOD outlined that formal letters were being sent to all licence holders to inform them of this extension, noting that there had been insufficient time to notify all licensees before the initial deadline.

This Government directive follows an announcement on 4 October, wherein the MOD had clarified that this temporary surrender of firearms was necessary for a comprehensive review. Once this review is complete, the firearms will be returned to their licensed owners. 

The extension provides firearm holders additional time to comply with the order and, according to sources, ensures that the process is conducted in an organised manner.