By Norman Palihawadane
All 225 MPs have been authorized to acquire two 12-bore repeater guns each, in addition to the pistols already issued to them for their personal security.
Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena on Friday told the Sunday Island that MPs have been directed to apply for these repeater guns based on a recommendation from the Ministry of Defence, following a recent threat assessment by intelligence units. Since this information was relayed to the MPs, five have already submitted applications for the firearms, the speaker said.
The decision to issue the guns was driven by concerns over MPs’ security during election periods and potential post-election violence, the speaker explained.
A notice signed by the Parliament’s General Secretary, Kushani Rohanadeera, has been sent to all MPs, detailing three pricing options: Rs. 258,218.36, Rs. 363,117.89, and Rs. 387,386.84. Additionally, the notice specifies that the annual firearms license fee is Rs. 200, and the ammunition license fee is Rs. 500.
According to sources from the Ministry of Defence, these weapons will be issued permanently and will not be reclaimed. Rohanadeera confirmed that to date, approximately five MPs have applied for the firearms.
SLPP MP SB Dissanayake, when contacted for comment, stated that he would not be taking advantage of this opportunity due to a lack of funds.
Each MP is entitled to have two armed personal protection officers from the Ministerial Security Division of the Police. However, some MPs have been allocated additional guards based on threat perception reports compiled by intelligence units, Ministry of Defence sources said.During the JVP terror period from 1987 to 1990, repeater and shotguns were issued to MPs. According to sources from the Ministry of Defence, most of these weapons have not yet been returned.
