The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence has confirmed that Yoshitha Rajapaksa, the son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, was in possession of a significant number of firearms issued for personal security.
Responding to queries by reporters if Yoshitha Rajapaksa was in possession of 07 to 08 firearms, Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha confirmed it, saying that the weapons have been taken into custody by the authorities.
He further said that at present, Yoshitha Rajapaksa was only in possession of two firearms and that the former President’s son has been informed to return the weapons.
Providing details on the review conducted on firearms for personal security, Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha said the government had commenced reviewing the firearms.
As such, a total of 1697 licenced weapons has been issued to 1550 persons, while only 1368 firearms have been returned to the government.
The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence said that 182 firearms had not been returned to the authorities. (Newswire)