Action plan proposed for illicit small arms eradication

Rafik Jalaldeen

A comprehensive action plan should be implemented to eradicate illicit small arms which is illegally changing hands and used to commit crimes in all parts of the country.

A survey report on the prevalence of illicit small arms in Sri Lanka was launched yesterday at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute by the National Commission Against the Proliferation of Illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCAPISA).

Defence Secretary and Chairman NCAPISA, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa in his message said that the aim of the National Small Arms Survey is to provide accurate information to the NCAPISA and the Government in general on the small arms situation in the country as the basis for taking measures to strengthen existing small arms controls, prevent crime, increase community awareness and eliminate illicit trafficking.

He said the survey will accordingly act as a catalyst in the development of a national small arms policy and a national small arms action plan by assisting the Government in identifying key problems and highlighting priority areas for action.

Coordinator of the NCAPISA Brigadier Ranjan de Silva (Rtd) said this report shows not only trends in illicit small arms circulation and misuse but also generates many ideas to overcome it.

“We welcome the report and will build on these ideas to take further steps forward in reducing the number of crimes taking place,” he added.

Brigadier Silva asserted that 16,744 grave crimes were committed by using small arms between 1999 and 2005. Over 46 per cent of grave crimes were committed using pistols, 29 per cent by automatic weapons and 16 per cent by shotguns.

“The public believe that underworld gangs, Army deserters, politicians and businessmen possess small arms and that police, deserters, gangsters, dealers and blacksmiths may be the key sources of illicit small arms,” he added.

He emphasised the survey’s findings that control over small arms is strong in areas of stringent licensing, stockpile management of State Security Forces and destruction of unserviceable weapons but identifies the need to improve safe storage, record keeping, training, awareness and resources.

Justice Ministry Secretary S.K. Gamlath said, in common a fear-psychosis is being spread among the public about armed persons or groups and this should be avoided. “People are afraid to lodge a complaint against a person who is in possession of a fire arm.

A fear-psychosis spread among the public on the armed group or persons,” he added.

However, he said history shows law and order was failed to be enforced against the illicit small arms trade.

He stressed that a comprehensive action plan is necessary to eliminate illicit small arms. “We all should put our mind together to translate documents effectively and implement recommended issues in practical manner based on the findings,” he added.