The importation of 39 drones and related equipment by Opposition Parliamentarian Nalin Bandara Jayamaha has raised questions over the approvals required to bring such equipment into the country, with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) saying that the necessary approval had not been obtained by the MP in question.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, Jayamaha said yesterday (9) that the issue concerned lapsed Ministry approval, while the other required approvals were in place. He said that the drones had been imported for an online business operated by his family, which sells cameras and drones. "Most of these are small drones, almost like toys," he said, adding that the equipment was being held by the Customs until the outstanding approval was obtained. Jayamaha said that he had submitted the other documents to the Customs yesterday morning and expected to receive the renewed Ministry approval within another two or three days. 

However, Ministry Spokesperson, Brigadier Franklin Joseph told The Daily Morning that Jayamaha had not obtained the proper approval required to bring the drones and related equipment into the country. He said that importing such equipment without the required approval, or with an expired licence, constituted an offence. The Ministry would not conduct a separate investigation into the matter, he said, adding that Customs would have to take the necessary action.

Meanwhile, the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) clarified that it issues a no-objection letter for the Customs clearance of drones only after checking whether their operating frequencies comply with the approved frequency bands. A TRCSL representative said that the Commission could issue such a letter only after the necessary approvals had been obtained from the Civil Aviation Authority, the Ministry and the Import and Export Control Department.