• Post-CAA registration, SIS-MoD security clearance to be followed by CAA training and licensing 
• To cover permitted flying height, the operating range, whether an area is allowed or prohibited via maps with marked zones 

All drone owners would have to register themselves with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and receive training on their operation, the Deputy Defence Minister, Aruna Jayasekara said. 

Responding to a question from The Daily Morning yesterday (26), he said that persons who use drones for commercial and recreational purposes are required to register and undergo training to improve their competence in using the technology. He added the competence of those who operate drones with approval from the CAA is assessed. Jayasekara noted there are rules on how high a drone could be flown, the distance they could be flown, and areas where it is permitted to operate, and areas where they are not allowed. Jayasekara said that after registration with the CAA, security clearance is obtained from the Defence Ministry. Based on this clearance, the CAA provides training and issues a licence to drone operators. He said that operators are to be made aware of matters such as the permitted flying height, the operating range, and whether an area is allowed or prohibited. Also, separate maps have been prepared, clearly marking zones where drones can be flown and areas that are restricted. He reiterated that training would be provided, awareness would be given, and licences would also be issued after obtaining security clearance from the State Intelligence Service (SIS) under the Defence Ministry.