Armed forces, Police given powers to search for firearms seized from military by protesters

The Cabinet of Ministers, which met yesterday, has decided to authorise the Tri-Forces commanders and the Inspector General of Police to take any steps to recover the firearms stolen from the Army personnel as soon as possible, as firearms falling into the hands of the rioters can pose a serious threat to public safety.

The Cabinet met under the Chairmanship of Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday and decided to give necessary powers to the commanders of the three armed forces and the Inspector General of Police to ensure the security of the country.

The Cabinet also decided to take maximum measures to ensure the security of the country.

Also, a decision has been reached in the Cabinet to take any steps to ensure the security of the Parliament when it meets and to protect the right of MPs to meet freely.

It has also been decided to take action against even a Member of Parliament who behaves in a way that interferes with the freedom of the Members of Parliament.

It has been discussed in the Cabinet that a certain political party caused the tense situation near the entrance of the Parliament on Wednesday night. During the attempt to take over the Parliament, a group of protesters had attacked the Army soldiers and stolen their T-56 firearms with live ammunition.

The Ministers have decided to authorise the security department to take any appropriate measures to search for the two firearms that were stolen from the Army in that incident.

The Acting President has also informed the Cabinet that if a Member of Parliament obstructs the entrance of the Parliament, the law will be strictly enforced against him.