- Discussions underway to digitise database, licensing, compliance testing, renewal process
- 26,000 firearm licences issued to the public, industry
- Focus on public security and legitimate need for use of firearms
The Ministry of Defence has said that approximately 26,000 firearm licences have been issued across Sri Lanka under various categories, including around 1,800 licences for personal protection.
The 26,000 licences include firearms for private law enforcement, sports, and crop protection/pest control, according to the Ministry of Defence.
These figures were provided by Ministry of Defence Spokesperson Brigadier Franklin Joseph, who also outlined that the majority of licences pertained to agricultural and other authorised purposes.
The Government is now in the process of introducing reforms to strengthen the regulatory framework surrounding firearm possession, renewals, and oversight.
Both Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara and Brigadier Joseph confirmed that measures were underway to update licensing procedures, review the Firearms Ordinance, and introduce digital record-keeping.
Notably, both previous Governments planned to update the outdated firearm legislation but did not see the process through to completion.
Review of policy on firearm recall
When the current administration assumed office, one of its early decisions was to recall all firearms issued for personal protection. Citizens were instructed to return their weapons for inspection and the Ministry of Defence stated that legal action would be taken against those failing to comply.
Brigadier Joseph explained that the decision was taken as a precaution. “The decision to recall all firearms issued for personal protection was initially taken as a security precaution and in order to regulate the number of weapons in civilian possession and to ensure proper accountability,” he said.
The ministry later adjusted the policy after further reviews. “The recent measures reflect a balancing of national security priorities with the needs of licensed firearm holders, particularly for personal protection and also crop protection,” Brigadier Joseph noted.
He added that the change was not a reversal of regulation but a policy adjustment based on current security conditions and administrative feasibility.
Licensing and renewal system
Firearm licences in Sri Lanka are subject to an annual renewal process. For 2024, the renewal period ran from 1 October to 31 December 2023. The Ministry of Defence has already announced the renewal process for 2025, with application forms made available on the ministry’s official website.
Deputy Minister Jayasekara confirmed that while the current annual system remained in force, changes were being made to the schedules and procedures. “We have been following certain criteria, and then we revisited them and made some amendments. That is for licensing, then reviewing, and then giving the licence back again,” he explained.
Under the renewal process, applicants are required to submit their forms through the divisional secretariat. The applications are then verified by the Police and the local grama niladhari. According to the ministry, these verification measures will remain in place but are expected to be strengthened through the introduction of a centralised digital system.
Furthermore, the ministry added that the new digitised system would also tighten oversight and control in the issuance of ammunition.
Reissuing of licences
Deputy Minister Jayasekara emphasised that licences would be reissued to provide firearm owners with the opportunity to regularise their status under the updated framework.
“The process has been retained and the issuance of licences to possess firearms was being reviewed and until such time, we implemented certain strict measures. But now we have decided to re-issue them based on updated information and after assessing the need for it. Therefore, eligible persons may apply to possess a licence for firearms as in the past,” he said.
The reissuance process follows a Ministry of Defence directive issued in late 2024, which required all firearms held for personal protection to be temporarily returned for inspection. The purpose of the measure was to verify records, review compliance, and prepare for the establishment of a national database.
Firearms law under evaluation
Both Jayasekara and Brigadier Joseph confirmed that the Firearms Ordinance, the law governing firearm possession in Sri Lanka, was under review.
Jayasekara clarified: “The ordinance has not been changed; it is being reviewed. The law needs to be updated and must reflect modern needs.” He added that the review was considering requirements focusing on national development, more particularly pertaining to projects, security, agricultural needs, and other core areas.
“Discussions are in progress and decisions will be made to suit present needs. Any reforms introduced will aim to strengthen regulation, ensure accountability, and address both national security requirements and the genuine needs of licensed holders,” Brigadier Joseph added.
Proposed reforms
Brigadier Joseph further stated that the Government was considering a series of reforms aimed at strengthening the regulation of civilian firearm possession.
Among the key measures under discussion are limiting ownership to a single firearm per individual, imposing strict controls on the issuing of ammunition, and introducing a fully digitalised system for all firearm-related processes. In addition, closer monitoring of licence holders is being planned to prevent misuse and to ensure that weapons do not enter illegal circulation.
He emphasised that firearm licences would continue to be issued only under strict conditions and to individuals who could demonstrate a genuine and verifiable need. These categories include farmers requiring weapons for agricultural purposes, registered sports shooters, and individuals facing special personal protection circumstances.
Brigadier Joseph also underlined that each application would be subject to rigorous vetting by intelligence agencies, the Ministry of Defence, and law enforcement authorities, with the final discretion resting with the Secretary of Defence. This approach, he noted, was intended to preserve public safety while recognising specific legitimate requirements for firearm possession in the country.
Enforcement of existing law
Until new reforms are formally introduced, the provisions of the Firearms Ordinance remain in force. Section 22 of the ordinance makes possession of a firearm without a valid licence a criminal offence, punishable by fines and imprisonment.
Authorities have stressed that legal action will continue to be taken against unlicensed firearm holders. Inspections and record verification exercises are being carried out, and firearm owners are required to ensure their licences are valid and up to date.
Categories of licences
Current licences fall into two main categories: personal protection and agricultural or other purposes.
Of the approximately 26,000 firearm licences in the country, around 1,800 have been issued under the category of personal protection. The remainder are for agricultural or other permitted uses. Other categories include sports and use by private security companies for property/asset protection purposes and for cash-in-transit escort duties.
This distinction reflects the conditions under which licences may be obtained. In rural areas, firearms are frequently used for crop protection. In other cases, individuals who face extraordinary security risks may apply for personal protection licences, subject to thorough vetting.
Oversight and digitalisation
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that future reforms will place emphasis on digitalising records and processes. This will involve creating a centralised database of firearm ownership that can be accessed by relevant agencies.
According to Brigadier Joseph, digitalisation will enable more efficient monitoring of licence holders and prevent unauthorised use or circulation. The move is also intended to reduce duplication and delays in processing applications.
The Government’s decision to enact reforms under discussion are aimed at ensuring accountability, strengthening oversight, and updating procedures to meet present-day requirements. Until the new framework is finalised, the existing system remains in force, and firearm owners are required to maintain compliance with renewal deadlines and licensing conditions.