A drone camera operator has been arrested by wildlife officers for flying a drone over the Kasikota elephant migration corridor, obstructing elephants moving across the Galagamuwa–Kasikota main road in the North Western Wildlife Region.

The suspect was produced before the Mahawa Magistrate’s Court along with the drone camera as case exhibits, where he pleaded guilty. The case will be taken up again on a future date.

The Department of Wildlife Conservation noted that large crowds often gather near the Kasikota Elephant Underpass to watch elephants crossing the road, sometimes engaging in disruptive activities. 

Authorities warned the public to be mindful of the risk of possible loss of life, as elephants may chase people in such situations.

Issuing a statement, the Department stressed that wildlife officers will continue to take action against individuals conducting unauthorised drone filming, producing offenders and their equipment before court. (Newswire)

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The Civil Aviation Authority has announced plans to test a drone aircraft service capable of carrying passengers in Sri Lanka.

According to NewsFirst, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority, Daminda Rambukwella, said the initiative will be implemented as a pilot project, marking a significant step in modernizing air transport.

Each drone aircraft will be able to carry six passengers, with officials noting that similar projects are already operating successfully in China, Singapore, and Thailand. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Police say tough measures are being introduced to regulate the import, sale, repair, and operation of drones amid growing national security concerns.

The Police said directives have been issued to all police stations islandwide to closely monitor illegal drone imports and related activities, following reports that certain institutions were importing and trading drones and spare parts outside the legal framework.

Authorities noted that drones could be misused to gather sensitive information and pose risks to national security under the prevailing circumstances.

Police also urged the public to refrain from operating drones near ancient sites, high-security zones, and areas of religious significance, noting that action is being taken to seize drones used in violation of regulations.

While drone operations in Sri Lanka are regulated under the Civil Aviation Act No. 14 of 2010, Police stressed that prior approval must be obtained from the relevant government authorities, including the Police, before flying drones.

“Before flying your drone, contact the relevant authorities and obtain the necessary permission,” Police said, adding that requests would be reviewed and responded to accordingly. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has issued a public notice reminding both local and foreign individuals that flying drones without proper authorization is prohibited within the country.

Issuing a statement, the SLAF noted that legal action has previously been taken against persons who operated drones in high‑security zones without approval.

The SLAF further said that anyone intending to fly drones must obtain the necessary permits in line with existing laws and regulations. 

The announcement aims to safeguard national security while preventing legal complications and difficulties for drone operators, it added. (Newswire)

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Advanced drones handed over by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to Sri Lanka’s Road Development Authority (RDA) in February are to be used exclusively to strengthen landslide disaster prevention and plan emergency measures more effectively.

According to a JICA statement, on 26 February 2026, JICA officially handed over advanced drones to the RDA under the Project for Strengthening Landslide Disaster Prevention Capacity for Resilient Road Transportation (2025–2028).

Following an urgent request from the RDA, JICA supported a comprehensive post‑disaster road survey in December after the severe impacts of Cyclone Ditwah. 

JICA states these drones will now be used exclusively for aerial reconnaissance of hazardous slopes, helping RDA engineers and Japanese experts conduct wide field investigations, assess landslide‑affected areas, identify high‑risk road sections, and plan emergency measures more effectively.

The drones enhance real‑time assessment, accurate topographic surveys, 3D models to assess landslide extent, faster surveys at hazardous sites and monitoring of vulnerable road sections. 

They will also feed high‑resolution data into the Sri Lanka Road Asset Management System, strengthening on‑site decision‑making during emergencies.

This timely support boosts disaster preparedness, strengthens emergency response, and contributes to a safer, more resilient national road network, JICA added. (Newswire)

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The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) has announced plans to introduce a licensing system for drone pilots engaged in commercial and professional activities, marking the first such initiative in the country.

Under the leadership of Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer, the CAASL has already established standard drone regulations under IS-53, which form the basis of the new licensing framework. 

Applicants will be required to pass a theory examination, undergo a medical check-up and security clearance, and demonstrate practical operational competency in a live assessment.

The evaluation process for the first license has already been conducted, with Civil Aviation Inspector (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Praveen Wijesinghe successfully completing the requirements. 

Issuing a statement, the CAASL stated that all drones used for commercial purposes must also be registered with CAASL under existing regulations.

Officials said the move aims to foster a new operational culture in Sri Lanka’s drone industry, aligning with global trends in unmanned aircraft technology. 

Once implemented, Sri Lanka will become the second country in South Asia, after India, to introduce a formal licensing system for drone pilots.

CAASL noted that the initiative is expected to boost national economic growth by supporting multiple industries and strengthening the country’s aviation oversight. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has requested the cooperation of the public when operating drones in areas affected by the ongoing disaster situation, warning that unregulated drone operations during Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions pose a significant risk to air operations conducted by the SLAF and other response agencies.

Issuing a statement, the SLAF said that the presence of drones, whether authorized or unauthorized, in active airspace can interfere with flight paths, disrupt critical rescue and relief missions and may lead to tragic aircraft accidents. 

Such incidents endanger the lives of aircrew members, jeopardize valuable air assets and place people on the ground at serious risk, it said. 

To ensure the safety and efficiency of all ongoing HADR air operations, the SLAF has appealed to the public to adhere to the following requests;

. Refrain from operating drones in areas where SLAF aircraft or other response aircraft are engaged in relief missions.

. Inform the SLAF of all drone take-off and landing times, whether authorized or unauthorized, before conducting any drone operations by contacting:

• General Lines: 0112343970 / 0112343971
• Hotline: 115

The SLAF added that the public’s cooperation is essential to safeguard lives and ensure uninterrupted air operations during this critical period. (Newswire)

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A Chinese national has been taken into custody by the Sri Dalada Maligawa Police Station for allegedly using a drone without proper authorization to record video footage of the high-security zone surrounding the Sri Dalada Maligawa.

According to the Police, the 48-year-old Chinese national launched the drone around 7:00 PM yesterday (15) from near the official residence of the Diyawadana Nilame.

The drone, which had flown over the Sri Dalada Maligawa, was brought down by the Air Force using jammer equipment. 

For further investigation, both the Chinese national and the drone have been handed over to the Kandy Tourist Police Unit by the Sri Dalada Maligawa Police. (Newswire)

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India has successfully tested a futuristic weapon for the first time by using high-powered laser-based directed energy to shoot down a drone.

The system made by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) tracked the drone, fired a laser beam and destroyed the target.

This platform is a game-changing one for India’s armed forces as drone warfare is increasingly being used in modern combat, such as the war in Ukraine.

“CHESS DRDO conducted a successful field demonstration of the Land version of Vehicle mounted Laser Directed Weapon(DEW) MK-II(A) at Kurnool today. It defeated the fixed wing UAV and Swarm Drones successfully causing structural damage and disabled the surveillance sensors. With this successful trial country has joined the exclusive club of the Global powers who possess the high power Laser DEW System,” the DRDO said in a post on X.

The success puts India in the exclusive group of nations with high-power Laser-DEW.

“As far as I know, it is the United States, Russia and China that have demonstrated this capability. Israel is also working on similar capabilities, I would say we are the fourth or fifth country in the world to demonstrate this system,” DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat told news agency ANI.

Mr Kamat said this is just the “beginning of the journey”, adding DRDO is working on a number of technologies “that will give us Star Wars capability.” 

“This is just the beginning of the journey. The synergy that this lab has achieved with other DRDO labs, industry and academia, I am sure we will reach our destination soon… We are also working on other high energy systems like high energy microwaves, electromagnetic pulse. So we are working on a number of technologies that will give us Star Wars capability. What you saw today was one of the components of Star Wars technologies,” Mr Kamat said.

The indigenously designed and developed Mk-II(A) DEW system was demonstrated in its entire spectrum of capability by engaging fixed-wing drones at long range, thwarting a multiple drone attack and destroying enemy surveillance sensors and antennae.

The lightning speed of engagement, the precision and the lethality delivered to the target within a few seconds made it the most potent counter drone system.

DRDO’s Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), Hyderabad, developed the system along with LRDE, IRDE, DLRL and academic institutions and Indian industries.

Once detected by a radar or by its inbuilt electro optic (EO) system, the laser-DEW can engage targets at the speed of light and use an intense beam of powerful light (laser beam) to cut through the target, leading to structural failure or more impactful results if the warhead is targeted.

This type of cutting-edge weaponry has the potential to revolutionise the battlespace by reducing reliance on expensive ammunition while also lowering the risk of collateral damage.

The proliferation of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and the emergence of drone swarms as asymmetric threats are driving the demand for directed energy weapons with counter-UAS and counter-swarm capabilities.

The DEW will replace traditional kinetic weapons and missile defence systems due to its ease of operation and cost-effectiveness. The requirement for cost-effective defence solutions to offset the low-cost drone attacks is driving the adoption of DEWs by military organisations worldwide. (NDTV)

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Cricketer M S Dhoni-backed Indian tech firm Garuda Aerospace on Monday announced its entry into the Sri Lankan market where it will primarily target the agricultural sector to enhance farming practices, besides exploring opportunities in homeland security and industrial applications.

As part of the company’s global expansion plans, the foray into Sri Lanka will also support Garuda in capitalising on the country’s strategic location and drone-friendly regulatory environment, Garuda Aerospace said.

The company said it is looking to spread its presence in at least 50 countries over the next few years, and has set aside $10 million, of the over Rs 100 crore revenue it delivered in FY24, to fuel international growth.

“This (expansion into Sri Lanka) isn’t merely about growth, it’s about unlocking the full potential of drone technology to create substantial impacts across various sectors. Sri Lanka’s diverse landscape allows us to showcase how our innovative solutions can bring tangible benefits, from agriculture to infrastructure,” said Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace.

Garuda Aerospace, which produces small and medium-category drones, partnered with Greek manufacturer Spirit Aeronautical Systems early this year. It has also signed a pact with French aerospace giant Thales to promote growth and innovation in India’s drone sector.

Spirit Aeronautical specialises in rotary and fixed-wing weaponised drones. (PTI)

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Sri Lanka Police have announced that permission is required for the use of drones to capture pictures and videos of May Day rallies planned across the nation today to commemorate Labour Day.

The Police said it is prohibited from using drones to cover the proceedings of May Day rallies, processions and other related activities without prior permission.

They further warned that legal action will be initiated against those using drones without permission.

Several May Day Rallies have been planned across Sri Lanka to commemorate Labour Day today. 

Key political parties such as the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), United National Party (UNP), and National Peoples Power (NPP) have planned rallies in Colombo.

Several other political parties have planned rallies and processions outside of Colombo. (Newswire)

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A Chinese national has been arrested after he operated a drone in the Sri Dalada Maligawa premises in Kandy while attempting to capture the Kubal Perahera of the Esala Perehera. 

According to reports, the Chinese national had been arrested on suspicion by the Kandy Police.

Investigations have revealed that the Chinese national who is staying at a hotel in Kandy had operated the drone from the window of his hotel room around 09.30 pm on Monday (21). 

The Chinese nation is reported to have arrived in Sri Lanka on Sunday and travelled to Kandy and reached his hotel on Monday. 

The Kandy Police is conducting further investigations into the incident. (NewsWire)

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