History, vision & purpose.

The foundation of the Government Licensed Firearm Holders’ Association of Sri Lanka (GLFHA) was laid in 2026, in recognition of the need for a collective and responsible organisation to represent the common interests, rights and responsibilities of government licensed self defense firearm holders in Sri Lanka.

The origins of this initiative can be traced to 25 June 2026, following the conclusion of the annual firearm training programme held at the Special Task Force (STF) Camp in Katukurunda. Following the programme, Mr. Suresh Nuwan Tharaka initiated the formation of a collective platform to bring government licensed firearm holders together and maintain their engagement as an organised group. This initial collective was established under the name “Shooting Association”, marking the beginning of a broader initiative towards collective organisation.

As the initiative progressed, increasing attention was given to the need for a more structured and representative organisation capable of addressing the common concerns of licensed firearm holders, particularly in relation to training, safety, legal compliance and the responsibilities associated with firearm ownership.

A significant milestone in this process was reached on 8 July 2026, when a special meeting was held with the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retired), and the Additional Secretary (Civil Security and Development), Mrs. Indika Wijegunawardena. The discussions highlighted the importance of addressing the concerns of government licensed firearm holders through a responsible and organised approach, with particular emphasis on training, safety and legal responsibilities.

Following this meeting, on 10 July 2026, a 12 member Working Committee was appointed to undertake the initial steps towards establishing the Association and developing its organisational framework. Mr. Suresh Nuwan Tharaka was appointed as the Convener of this initiative. Among those who contributed to the initial organisational activities were Mr. Saliya Wickramasuriya, Mr. Sampath Hewage, Mr. Lakmal Ratnayake, Mr. Menaka Liyanage, Mr. Ismath Ali and Mr. Manjula Narayana.

With the objective of establishing a clear and sustainable institutional foundation for the Association, the Convener prepared and presented its Constitution and foundational documents on 20 July 2026. These documents provided the initial framework governing the Association’s objectives, membership, organisational structure, administration and the duties and responsibilities of its members.

Another important milestone was reached on 1 August 2026, when the formal process of recruiting the Association’s Founding Members commenced. Prospective members were identified from among government licensed firearm holders, taking into consideration their suitability and alignment with the Association’s objectives, principles and values.

Following several days of selection and admission procedures, the recruitment of the initial thirty (30) Founding Members was successfully completed by 7 August 2026.

Subsequently, the necessary administrative, organisational and documentation arrangements were undertaken in preparation for the Association’s First General Meeting. By 10 August 2026, these preliminary arrangements had been completed and preparations for the formal inauguration of the Association had been finalised.

The culmination of these foundational efforts came on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, with the successful convening of the First Founding General Meeting of the Government Licensed Firearm Holders’ Association of Sri Lanka at the MCA Auditorium, Colombo 07, commencing at 5.30 PM. The meeting was attended by all thirty (30) Founding Members and formally marked the commencement of the Association’s organised institutional journey.

From its inception, every stage of this initiative was guided by a shared commitment to establishing a strong, responsible and representative organisation dedicated to promoting responsible firearm ownership, safe handling and use, compliance with applicable laws and regulations and the protection of the common interests and legitimate rights of its members.

The establishment of the Association was therefore more than the formation of a membership organisation. It marked the beginning of a new chapter of collective organisation among government licensed self defense firearm holders in Sri Lanka, founded upon the principles of responsibility, discipline, safety, unity and mutual respect.

It also marked the establishment of what the Association recognises as the first organisation of its kind in Sri Lanka dedicated specifically to representing the common interests of government licensed self defense firearm holders.

Thus began the institutional journey of the Government Licensed Firearm Holders’ Association of Sri Lanka — built upon a shared vision, collective commitment and the determination to establish a responsible and united voice for its members.

The establishment of the Government Licensed Firearm Holders’ Association of Sri Lanka (GLFHA) was driven by a simple yet meaningful vision: to bring government licensed self defense firearm holders together under a single, responsible, organised and representative platform.

In Sri Lanka, firearms are licensed for various purposes, including official duties, sporting activities, agricultural purposes and personal life & property protection. Among these categories, the Ministry of Defence, in accordance with the laws and regulations of the country, provides for the issuance of self defense firearms to civilians who hold distinguished positions in business, professional and entrepreneurial fields, as well as those engaged in social and political activities.

When I initiated this endeavour in June 2026, together with a group of government licensed self defense firearm holders, my intention was not simply to establish another membership organisation. Rather, my objective was to create a legitimate and sustainable institutional platform through which individuals sharing common responsibilities and legitimate interests could work collectively, support one another and contribute towards building a more responsible, informed and united community.

I firmly believe that lawful firearm ownership extends far beyond a personal security measure or a legal obligation. It carries responsibilities that transcend individual interests and encompass broader social and national considerations. It demands discipline, awareness, knowledge and accountability, together with strict adherence to the laws and regulations of the country and an unwavering commitment to safety. As an Association committed to respecting the applicable national laws and relevant international frameworks, principles and standards governing this field, these values must remain central to everything we undertake.

The successful establishment of GLFHA has been made possible through the trust, support and dedication of those who believed in this vision from its earliest stages. I wish to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to laying the foundations of the Association, particularly our Founding Members, the Initial Working Committee and all those who extended their support towards bringing this institution into existence.

As its Founder, I regard this Association not as the achievement of any one individual, but as a collective institution built upon a shared vision and commitment. Its strength must always derive from its Constitution, collective leadership, integrity in administration and the active participation of its members.

Looking ahead, my vision is to see GLFHA develop into a respected national association that promotes responsible firearm ownership, safety, professional development, institutional cooperation, member welfare, social responsibility and meaningful fellowship. I also envisage the Association establishing structured training programmes and organising competitive events that provide members with opportunities to enhance their knowledge, skills and practical competencies.

Furthermore, among our ambitious long term aspirations are the establishment of Sri Lanka’s first dedicated training and shooting range specifically designed for licensed self defense firearm holders, together with a permanent headquarters for the Association and a dedicated facility incorporating a restaurant, where members can gather, interact and strengthen the bonds of fellowship.

I also look forward to GLFHA developing meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships with relevant national institutions, appropriate international organisations and similar associations representing licensed firearm holders in other countries. Such relationships would create valuable opportunities for institutional cooperation, knowledge sharing and the exchange of experience and best practices.

It is my sincere expectation that every member will take pride in this Association, respect its Constitution, uphold its principles and actively contribute towards its continued growth and development. The future of this institution must never depend on the efforts of a few individuals alone, but on the shared commitment and collective responsibility of its entire membership.

An organisation is not defined merely by the date on which it is established. Its true identity is determined by the principles it upholds, the responsibilities it fulfils and the legacy it leaves for future generations.

Therefore, let us move forward together, guided by the enduring principles of unity, responsibility, discipline and mutual respect and remain committed to building an institution that will continue to serve its members and uphold its values for generations to come.

Preamble

With the objective of promoting the rights, responsibilities, safety, welfare and professionalism of individuals who lawfully hold valid self-defence firearm licences issued in their own names in Sri Lanka, the Government Licensed Firearm Holders’ Association is hereby established based on the principles of the Rule of Law, integrity, accountability, transparency, fairness, equality, and mutual cooperation.

The Association shall not support, encourage, or participate in any unlawful, unsafe, or socially harmful activity. It shall conduct all its affairs in full compliance with the Constitution and the laws of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, together with all applicable regulations, licensing conditions, and lawful directions issued by the competent authorities. Furthermore, the Association shall remain independent, non-political, non-partisan, and free from religious or other external ideological influence, acting solely in the collective interests of its members and in the public interest.

The Association is dedicated to promoting trust, mutual respect, discipline, confidentiality, accountability, professionalism, and cooperation among its members. These values shall constitute the foundation of the Association and shall be upheld by every member at all times.

This Constitution establishes the objectives, governance structure, membership, administration, powers, responsibilities, financial management, and operational framework of the Association. It shall serve as the supreme governing document of the Association and shall be respected, observed, and complied with by all members, office bearers, and appointed committee members.