News
Poser and angry response over issue of shotguns to MPs
View(s):By Anthony David
The Defence Ministry’s move to issue two repeater shotguns to every parliamentarian for use even after they quit their positions has set a poser.
The conditions governing the issue stipulate that these weapons can neither be transferred nor used by any other person. Therefore, the question being raised is what purpose the issue of these weapons would serve.
Ostensibly, it is said to be for use to protect the MPs. However, the MPs cannot do so. They are already entitled to pistols and revolvers, and repeater shotguns were being offered in addition.
Parliament Secretary General Kushani Rohanadeera told the Sunday Times that all MPs had been informed that they could avail themselves of the two repeater shotguns. She said that already seven applications had been received.
The move has drawn an angry response in some quarters. Former Deputy Inspector General of Police (Crimes) Priyantha Jayakody said it was the responsibility of the Police to ensure the protection of MPs. He said that besides the anomalous situation about their use, there were fears that such weapons could fall into the wrong hands. Already, the underworld had gained access to automatic weapons during the separatist war, and recovery of these weapons had become an impossible task.
The Sunday Times revealed last week the Defence Ministry’s decision to offer two repeater shotguns for the MPs, and these could be retained even after completing their parliamentary term.
The weapons need to be purchased by the MPs.
According to the Cabinet memorandum, the Defence Ministry has given the option of selecting two repeater shotguns from the following: Panser Arms 12 Bore Pump Action Shot Gun Model SS12 (Rs 258,218.36), Panser Arms 12 Bore Ambidextrous Mag Fed Semi-Auto Shot Gun Model G2 Pro—Colour Black (Rs 363,117.89), or Panser Arms 12 Bore Ambidextrous Mag Fed Semi-Auto Shot Gun Model G2 Pro—Colour Desert (Rs 387,386.84).
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