Police confirmed that the three T-56 rifles discovered abandoned by the roadside at Thunandahena, Korathota in Kaduwela were not real weapons but imitation firearms.

The items were recovered earlier today following a tip-off and were initially believed to be genuine.

However, police investigations later revealed that the rifles were replicas. (Newswire)

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The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence has confirmed that Yoshitha Rajapaksa, the son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, was in possession of a significant number of firearms issued for personal security.

Responding to queries by reporters if Yoshitha Rajapaksa was in possession of 07 to 08 firearms, Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha confirmed it, saying that the weapons have been taken into custody by the authorities.

He further said that at present, Yoshitha Rajapaksa was only in possession of two firearms and that the former President’s son has been informed to return the weapons. 

Providing details on the review conducted on firearms for personal security, Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha said the government had commenced reviewing the firearms.

As such, a total of 1697 licenced weapons has been issued to 1550 persons, while only 1368 firearms have been returned to the government.

The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence said that 182 firearms had not been returned to the authorities. (Newswire)

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Police have increased the reward money for Police officers and informants pertaining to the seizure of illegal firearms and grenades.

The reward money has been raised by the Inspector General of Police on the directive of Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles.

The Police stated that the reward money will be provided for the seizure of firearms and grenades for the period of June 25 to July 01.

The move comes following multiple shootings being reported across the country over the last few months.

The increased reward money is as follows:

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The government has decided to revise agricultural land area to five (05) acres for the issuance of firearm permits for crop protection purposes, State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon stated.

According to a Defence Ministry statement, State Minister Premitha Bandara Tennakoon stated that the existing laws have been amended to allow the use of firearms for crop protection purposes. 

Providing further clarification, the State Minister said that this timely decision was taken as a matter of urgency since crops in large amounts are destroyed within a year due to various wild animals. 

State Minister Tennakoon further said that the government is working on diverse programs to promote agriculture in the country, strengthen the agricultural economy, and food security in the country. 

“We are working tirelessly to empower the farmers to produce the things required for consumption within the country and to develop agriculture,” he revealed. 

The State Minister added that more details on the use of firearms for crop protection activities can be obtained from the respective District Secretariats. (NewsWire)  

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