Cash rewards fail to overcome citizen fears in reporting illegal firearms

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya
Despite repeated offers of cash rewards by the police to encourage the public to report illegal firearms used by organized criminal gangs, there is significant reluctance among citizens to come forward, fearing reprisals from the underworld, Daily Mirror learns.  
Public Security Minister Tiran Alles said that illegal weapons are entering the country from external sources, exacerbated by firearms that proliferated following the conclusion of the 2009 war.  

Despite previous amnesties encouraging the surrender of illegal weapons, Minister Alles expressed concern over the continued circulation and use of firearms in crimes.  
Since December 17 last year, the police have seized a total of 955 firearms, including T56 assault rifles, pistols, revolvers, and Bore 22 weapons. In conjunction with the ongoing ‘Yukthiya’ operation, Sri Lanka Police have initiated a cash prize system for individuals providing information on illegal firearms used by organized criminal gangs.  
The rewards vary based on the type of firearm reported: Rs. 500,000 for automatic firearms like T56, AK47, M16, SAR80, and T81, and Rs. 300,000 for semi-automatic firearms such as 84S, SLR, and auto-loading shotguns.