Nearly 100,000 Illegal Firearms Circulating in Sri Lanka, Officials Estimate

Sri Lankan security officials estimate that between 80,000 and 100,000 illegal firearms are circulating throughout the country. Intelligence suggests a significant number of these unauthorized weapons are possessed by underworld figures and individuals who have deserted from the military. Some of these firearms are also believed to have been previously used by the LTTE.

Further information reveals that over 5,000 firearms have been supplied to underworld gangs from various countries in recent times. High-ranking police officials have identified five specific sea routes used for smuggling these weapons into the country. In response, security patrols have been intensified along these routes to intercept the illegal arms trade.

The Ministry of Public Security stated that these illegal firearms are a primary driver of the rising homicide rates across the nation. Consequently, special operations have been launched to locate and seize these weapons. Between January 1, 2025, and July 3, 2026, over 3,100 illegal firearms were discovered during island-wide raids. The year 2025 saw the highest number of seizures, with 2,404 firearms confiscated, including 74 T-56 assault rifles, 90 pistols, and 2,177 locally manufactured weapons.

In the first half of 2026, from January 1 to July 3, an additional 719 illegal firearms were apprehended. Responding to inquiries about the illegal firearms, Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala emphasized that the government will show no leniency towards criminals and underworld figures. He highlighted the government's focus on apprehending illegal firearms. Police sources indicate that nearly a hundred underworld shootings have been reported in the recent past.

“

The government will show no leniency towards criminals and underworld figures.