Sri Lanka will be preparing to test a passenger drone service next month, with plans to establish commercial operations within six months, Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Ruwan Kodithuwakku said.
Under the initial plan, the passenger drones will operate over distances of up to 25 kilometres, while two flight paths towards tourist destinations are also being considered.
The first phase pf the pilot project is expected to focus on routes from Colombo towards the southern coast and between Katunayake and Port City.
Kodithuwakku said two aircraft are expected to be brought to Sri Lanka in September, with route plans to be drawn up during the first two months of the pilot project.
The initiative is being explored as a means of supporting tourism development, while potential applications for emergency and disaster response as well as marine and naval requirements are also being considered.
The deputy minister said one of the main advantages of the aircraft is that they require relatively little space for takeoff and landing.
He said the government hopes to establish a commercial passenger drone service in Sri Lanka within six months following the initial trials. (Newswire)