Can I operate my Drone without approval?
If your Drone weight is 200g or below fitted without any data retrieval tools such as camera may be operated below 150ft from Ground Level without approval from Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) if you are operating for leisure or educational purposes at a private premises with the consent of the property owner or at public places which are clearly identified for the purpose. If one or more above is not met need to obtain DGCA’s approval.
Who is the competent authority empowered to grant Approvals for Drone operations in Sri Lanka?
The Director General of Civil Aviation and the approval process is handled by the Civil Aviation Authority Sri Lanka.
Do I have to register my Drone with Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL)?
If your Drone’s weight is 200g or less and it is not fitted with any data capturing or data retrieval tools such as a camera no need to register with CAASL. But irrespective the weight of your Drone, if it is fitted with any data capturing or retrieval tools such as camera, shall be registered with the CAASL
How may I register my Drone with CAASL?
Drone Registration is a pre-requisite for the consideration of application for the Operation of Drone. Please visit our web site for Online Registration or you may download the CAA/AS/019 form. Duly filled application form (CAA/AS/019) to be forwarded to CAASL via e-mail addresses: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
You will receive Acknowledgement receipt of your Registration application via mail with the CAASL Reference Number. You may be called upon to CAASL with your Drone for an inspection.
My drone weighs less than 200g, do I have to register with CAASL?
CAASL Registration is not required as far as your drone does not carry any telemetry devices such as video cameras and still cameras on board. If it does, registering your drone at CAASL becomes mandatory.
I am an entrepreneur hoping to import drones to Sri Lanka. Do I have to register with CAASL?
Yes you do. It is a requirement that you register with CAASL. For further details visit www.caa.lk and Refer Section 6 of the Implementing Standards IS053 and submit the application form (CAA/AS/023).
I am a trader who has been selling drones. Do I have register with CAASL as per the regulations?
Yes, you should register. You are expected maintain a document of drones that you sell. It shall contain the serial number of the unit sold and the personal details of the buyer and also you shall instruct your buyer to register his/her drone with CAASL, if it falls within a category that requires a registration with CAASL. For further details please refer Section 6 of the Implementing Standards IS053.
My drone is registered at CAASL. Do I have to obtain permission for all my drone operations?
Yes you do, except if your Drone weight is 200g or below not fitted without any data retrieval tools such as camera and operating for leisure or educational purposes in your own premises or operating within somebody else’s premises with a consent of the property owner or when the operation is taking place within a designated area identified for that purpose, may be operated below 150ft from Ground Level without approval from DGCA,.
For all other operations you should have to obtain prior approval from DGCA. Registration of Drone indicates that your Drone is registered in the governmental Registry of Drones. It does not offer you with any privileges other than what is declared in Implementing Standard issued on Drone Operation in Sri Lanka
Do I have to get security clearance from Office of Chief of Defence Staff (OCDS) for all my drone operations?
If your operation is a one which warrants approval from DGCA Sri Lanka, security clearance is a prerequisite for the issuance of approval. Therefore obtain the security clearance well in advance and preferably attach the security clearance to your application of drone operation (form CAA/AS/017) to CAASL.
Do you mean to say that the clearance received from OCDS is not an approval for carrying out my drone operation?
Yes, it is not an approval. You are required to submit that along with your application of drone operation (form CAA/AS/017) to CAASL. There is a payment to be made to CAASL to obtain approval.
I am a foreigner who is expecting to come to Sri Lanka to spend my next vacation. Can I bring my drone to Sri Lanka for my own usage?
Yes, you can subject to strict compliance of Sri Lankan customs regulations and formalities. Once you have brought your drone to Sri Lanka you shall obtain a temporary registration (via online) to your Drone from CAASL prior to any operation. Operations of your drone shall be in compliance with IS053, the rules on drone operations in Sri Lanka. Visit www.caa.lk to download IS053. If you are intending to operate over heritage sites, Sanctuaries and such other designated sites you will be required to obtain a clearance from respective local authorities in addition to CAASL clearance.
Can I operate my drone from my roof top?
No. Operations from an elevated ground, building or an object are prohibited.
