Govt. allows ex-ministers to keep two firearms: Minister

• Says he does not need one for his safety

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama
The government, citing potential future unrest in the country, announced yesterday that a new policy has been implemented allowing parliamentarians to keep two firearms after they retire from ministerial roles.   Addressing the media, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Bandula Gunawardana explained that parliamentarians could purchase and retain these firearms after their term as MPs end. He made this statement in response to a journalist’s question about the Defence Ministry’s announcement regarding additional firearms.    The minister also mentioned that a parliamentarian was tortured and killed by a group of Aragalaya members, noting that the violence following the Aragalaya protests left a negative image of the country.   
He added that within 24-hours, the official residences of 72 parliamentarians and the President’s library were burned down. He also mentioned a plot to set the Parliament on fire.   
Given these circumstances, the government has granted current ministers the privilege of keeping two firearms at home for their safety. Any parliamentarian can request to purchase these firearms.   
Although some ministers have obtained firearms for self-defence, Minister Gunawardana said he does not need one for his safety.   
The Defence Ministry has also announced its decision to provide MPs with repeater firearms for their safety in addition to the currently issued pistols. The ministry informed the Secretary-General of Parliament that all 225 MPs are eligible to receive these weapons.