Hambantota

Illegal small arms and light weapons pilot survey

Summary This report presents the findings of a illegal small arms and light weapons (SALW) pilot survey in Hambantota District, on the Southern Coast of Sri Lanka, and includes information relating to:

The distribution of SALW in the district;
Their impacts upon society, with particular reference to public perceptions related to small arms, security and development;
The capacity of the Government of Sri Lanka and other actors to reduce problems identified and control illicit small arms in the district for the foreseeable future;
The possible measures which could improve the situation in Hambantota District on the basis of the survey findings.

The survey identifies a number of concerns including evidence of a widespread illegal possession of home made guns (galkatas), muzzle-loading guns and shot guns in the district. Additionally, there is a small but growing numbers of 'T-56s' in criminal hands, which contribute significantly to a high level of armed violence. Illicit hand grenades are also increasingly in circulation in the district, apparently from state stocks.

The study, commissioned by the National Commission Against Illicit Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCAPISA) and the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence (MOD), is intended to act as a test case for a national survey as well as inform and stimulate discussion on issues related to small arms in Sri Lanka.

The report is available in English, Sinhala and Tamil.

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