Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) and Drones
Last verified 2026-07-19 · Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka
What CAASL is, its role in drone regulation, the portal, forms and map it operates, and when drone operators need to contact it.
By the Sri Lanka Drone Editorial Team · Last reviewed 19 July 2026
Quick answer
The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) is the national aviation authority and the regulator for drones, formally unmanned aircraft systems, in Sri Lanka. CAASL handles drone registration, issues operation approvals, publishes the official Drone Zone Map, sets operating rules and implementing standards, and manages drone import type approvals and importer permits. Operators contact CAASL to register aircraft, request flight approvals and clarify requirements.
- Responsible authority
- Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka
- Who this applies to
- Everyone operating or importing drones in Sri Lanka.
- Verification status
- verified against official source
- Last verified
- 19 July 2026
- Last reviewed
- 19 July 2026
What CAASL is
CAASL is a statutory body operating under the ministry responsible for aviation, overseeing civil aviation in Sri Lanka from airlines and airports to unmanned aircraft. For drones, CAASL has issued implementing standards, categorised aircraft by mass, and built the registration and approval machinery that every lawful flight passes through. The authority has publicly signalled active enforcement of drone regulations from 2026 and the introduction of a drone pilot licensing system.
What CAASL operates for drone users
Drone operators interact with a small set of CAASL assets.
- The Drone Operations Portal, where applications and documents are submitted
- The Drone Zone Map, the official geographical guidance for zones and restrictions
- Registration via form CAA/AS/019, and ownership transfer or deregistration via CAA/AU/012
- Operation approvals via form CAA/AS/017, with security clearance and insurance
- The Mandatory Occurrence Report, CAA/AS/018, for accidents
- Type approvals and importer permits for bringing drones into the country
When to contact CAASL
Contact CAASL to register a drone, request an operation approval, clarify whether a location or operation type is permissible, arrange import type approval, or report an occurrence. The drone unit's published contact route is by email through the official portal. This platform is independent of CAASL; nothing here substitutes for the authority's own answers.
Frequently asked questions
Is CAASL the same as the Sri Lankan government?
CAASL is a statutory regulatory body under the aviation ministry. It is the competent authority for civil aviation, including drones, and its decisions govern drone operations.
How do I contact CAASL about drones?
Through the official Drone Operations Portal and the drone unit's published email address, drone@caa.lk. Always use the contact details published on official CAASL channels.
Does Sri Lanka Drone represent CAASL?
No. Sri Lanka Drone is an independent knowledge platform with no affiliation to CAASL or any government authority. Official decisions come only from the authorities.
Spotted outdated or incorrect information? Suggest a correction.
