News Today: Yoshitha Rajapaksa Must Return Firearms Issued by Government

Defence Secretary Sampath Thuiyacontha announced that Yoshitha Rajapaksa has been directed to return all firearms in his possession. Out of the seven firearms issued to him, five have already been handed over to the Government.

Rajapaksa has been informed that he must return one of the remaining two firearms, while the other will be issued to him only after an intelligence assessment.

At a press conference held at the Defence Ministry premises, Thuiyacontha revealed that 1,368 out of 1,697 firearms issued for personal security have been retrieved. However, 182 individuals have not yet returned their firearms.

A recent survey conducted by the Defence Ministry found that some individuals were issued multiple firearms. The Government has now decided that only one firearm will be allocated per person, based on an intelligence report determining the level of threat to their lives.

Thuiyacontha emphasized that firearms are issued strictly when intelligence reports confirm a valid threat. He also mentioned that some individuals’ records are missing due to overseas travel and other circumstances.

The Defence Secretary reassured the public that former presidents receive security only after thorough assessments. Intelligence reports indicate no credible threat, including drone attacks, against former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

With the Government actively reclaiming firearms, further measures are expected to ensure tighter security regulations and accountability.