The Ministry of Public Security, Law and Order has declared an amnesty period of two months commencing 1st October 2004 for those possessing firearms without a valid licence to hand them over to the Government or get valid licences.
The Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, Law and Order Tilak Ranaviraja in announcing this amnesty said that an opportunity has been given this time for handing over of illegal firearms to the respective district secretariats and divisional secretariats as well in addition to the police stations.
He assured that no legal action will be taken against any person who surrenders the firearms during the amnesty period.
He said the government will look into each case and allow those who are eligible to use them to obtain a permanent licence. The government is also considering granting cash payments to each firearm handed over depending on the type of firearm. At the time of handing over of the firearm a temporary licence will be issued. The relevant application forms for this purpose could be obtained from the nearest police station or the divisional secretariat. The duly filled application form together with a Money Order for Rs. 10/- in the name of Secretary, Ministry of Public Security, Law and Order should be handed over to the police station or the divisional secretariat. The National Identity Card of the person should also be produced at the time.
The Secretary said that they hope to launch an intensified campaign to recover illegal arms after the amnesty period and take legal action against those who possess them. The government has already announced the payment of an attractive incentive payment to informants who provide information leading to recovery of firearms depending on the type of firearms recovered.
It has been estimated that there are still around 30,000 illegal firearms in circulation which has been a major contributory cause for major crimes.
During the amnesty period granted earlier this year, 1337 have been handed over and a special committee is now looking into regularising matters.
