In Sri Lanka in 2004-2005, a civil society awareness process was initiated to allow civil society to participate in the National Commission Against the Proliferation of Illicit Small Arms (NCAPISA). This document, by Saferworld and the South Asia Small Arms Network – Sri Lanka (SASA-net Sri Lanka), represents a record and analysis of discussions that took place during the consultation process. The civil society consultation process was held in 23 districts covering nine provinces. It concludes that violence within different ethnic groups within the country has increased and democracy has declined due to violence around elections.
At the UN Small Arms Conference in July 2001, the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) committed itself to the effective implementation of the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All its Aspects (UN PoA). NCAPISA was subsequently established to combat small arms proliferation. The inclusion of civil society provides a bridge between NCAPISA and those who are most affected by, and who might be able to combat, small arms.
Civil society offered the following perspectives on key issues related to small arms proliferation in Sri Lanka:
- Violence within different social and ethnic groups in the country has increased overall, accompanied by a rapid increase in armed clashes between rival political groups before and after elections.
- Violent crime has increased due to the number of army deserters and their involvement in organised crime. The proliferation of small arms is closely linked to drug trafficking and illicit liquor brewing.
- Democracy has declined throughout the country due to violence around elections. Fundamental rights are regularly infringed. Judicial controls to punish offenders of armed violence and crime are weak.
- Human insecurity has increased due to economic instability and social disparity in communities. Violence against women and children – including child abuse, rape and domestic violence – has also increased.
- The destruction of fauna and flora, natural resources and wildlife have all contributed to overall environmental degradation.
The provincial overview offered the following key findings on small arms issues in Sri Lanka:
- In the Southern Province, arms proliferation is linked with organised crime and the use of firearms to keep wild animals away from crops.
- The Western Province has experienced soaring crime rates and armed violence due to underworld criminal gangs.
- Armed violence and crime is prevalent throughout the Sabaragamuwa Province with many offences bring committed by army deserters.
- In the Uva Province, the use of arms is high due to illegal timber felling and cannabis growing by organised criminal groups.
- The Eastern Province has suffered a great deal due to the civil war and the subsequent increase in arms proliferation resulting in violent crime.
- In the Central Province arms related violence and crime is not as high as in other parts of the country.
- A major arms smuggling route extends through the North Western Province, which is also affected by a high number of army deserters.
- Illegal arms are available in the North Central Province due to its proximity to conflict zones. Proper record keeping of small arms and mechanisms for seizure are urgently needed.
- The Northern Province was severely affected by the civil war and is subject to large quantities of small arms and landmines.
