2026-02-19 / Oral Question: Firearm Licences Issuance (Q. 8/2026) 2026-02-19
## Summary
Deputy Minister of Defence Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera responded to a parliamentary question on civilian firearm licensing on behalf of the Minister of Defence. He confirmed that firearm licences continue to be issued to civilians across several categories — including cultivation, property, and personal protection, sports, and for public representatives — under the Firearms Ordinance No. 33 of 1916 and No. 22 of 1996, with security clearances required from Sri Lanka Police and the Chief of National Intelligence. He acknowledged that delays in processing can occur depending on the category and clearance procedures. The Deputy Minister further outlined legislative reform efforts, noting that Cabinet approval was granted on 1 April 2025 to introduce a new Firearms Act to replace the 1916 Ordinance, with planned amendments covering updated penalties, revised licence fees (last set in 1992 and 1995), ministerial regulations, and a prohibition on firearm use in public places, all of which have been considered by the National Security Council.
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Minister of Defence, I provide the following answer regarding the issuance of firearm licences.
(a)
(i) Firearms are issued to civilians for cultivation protection, property protection, personal protection, sports purposes, and to public representatives and government officials. Issuance is done under the Firearms Ordinance No. 33 of 1916 and No. 22 of 1996, and in line with Circular 01/2025 issued by the Secretary of Defence, considering the criteria applicable to each category. Following inspections and clearance from the relevant institutions, including security clearances from Sri Lanka Police and the intelligence agencies, licences are issued.
(ii) No—the issuance of licences has not been stopped.
(iii) Not applicable.
(iv) Not applicable.
(v) Security clearances are obtained from Sri Lanka Police and the Chief of National Intelligence.
(vi) Security clearance reports are issued by Sri Lanka Police and the Chief of National Intelligence under their established procedures. Depending on the category and process, delays can sometimes occur.
(b)
(i) Cabinet approval was granted on 01.04.2025 to amend the Firearms Ordinance in a timely manner. Policy approval has been granted to introduce a new Firearms Act. A committee appointed for firearms regulation has met several times and prepared a policy framework, which was submitted to the National Security Council. Provisions are being prepared, including for the regulation of air guns.
(ii) The last revisions of firearms licence fees were on 04.10.1992 and 04.10.1995.
(iii) Cabinet approval to repeal the 1916 Ordinance and draft a new law was granted on 08.04.2025, including to revise fines.
(iv) Cabinet approval of 01.04.2025 has been obtained and further action is underway.
(c) Not applicable.
Additionally, in amending the firearm law, we are addressing: updating procedures and penalties, revising fees (including for damaged/defaced licences, sale displays, transfers, repairs, and guard permits), introducing regulations via ministerial regulations, and prohibiting the use of firearms in public places. These matters were discussed at the National Security Council.