The Ministry of Defence has extended the deadline for civilians to surrender all licensed firearms until November 21, 2024. Initially set for today, November 7, the deadline has been pushed back to allow more time for the return of firearms and ammunition issued for self-defense and other purposes.

The Ministry of Defence said that the extension was given after considering various factors. On October 4, the government said that all firearms issued to civilians would be requisitioned, with the expectation that they would be surrendered to authorities by November 7. The Ministry has also clarified that the firearms would be returned after a review of their necessity.

Reports say that several individuals have already begun surrendering their firearms at the Sri Lanka Navy’s Commercial Explosives’ Storage Facility in Welisara.

Meanwhile, a petition has been filed in the Court of Appeal challenging the directive requiring civilians to return licensed firearms for personal protection, adding further complexity to the situation.