• Commercial drones above 250g must be registered; toy drones exempt

The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) stated that a proper regulatory framework will be introduced to regulate the use of drones.

Director General of CAASL, Captain Daminda Rambukwella said that all drones with commercial value must be registered.

He explained the Authority regulates drones under two main categories as passenger-carrying drones and unmanned drones. Accordingly, CAASL has already introduced regulations to ensure the safe and systematic operation of these drones, and the implementation of these regulations is scheduled to commence this year (2026).

Captain Rambukwella further said: “Although the regulations were first introduced two years ago, they will now be actively enforced. Drones are classified into several categories, ranging from 250 grams up to 25 kilograms. Drones weighing below 250 grams, which fall under the category of toys, will not be regulated.”

However, he emphasised that drones weighing 250 grams or more and those used for commercial purposes must be regulated by the CAASL. He also added that there are separate regulations governing the importation of drones, and these could be carried out in compliance with the relevant guidelines.