Bhathiya Barukanda
All parliamentarians can buy two repeater shotguns each, which they can retain even after they are out of office.
At present, MPs are assigned two police constables each for their personal protection. They accompany them when they travel and stay in their residences. In addition, the MPs are also given pistols. The police stations in the respective areas of the MPs’ residences too are directed to carry out patrols.
The Defence Ministry has told Parliament Secretary General Kushani Rohanadheera that the MPs will be required to buy the repeater shotguns from their personal funds and have them licensed annually in the districts they live in. 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).
The MPs can renew annual licences at a meagre Rs 200 for the weapon and Rs 500 for ammunition. The MPs are prohibited from transferring the weapon to any other person. They will also be prohibited from carrying these weapons to Parliament or to places where people gather.
The Defence Ministry has informed the Secretary-General of Parliament, saying the decision has been taken considering the disturbances experienced in the past and the threats to their lives and personal property.
The Secretary-General Rohanadheera has written to MPs about the decision.
Source: sundaytimes.lk
