Drone Height Limit in Sri Lanka

Drone altitude in Sri Lanka is controlled through CAASL's implementing standards for unmanned aircraft and through the conditions attached to each individual operation approval. When CAASL approves a flight, the approval defines where and under what conditions the operation may take place. The altitude condition in that approval is the limit that legally applies to your flight.

Multiple secondary sources report a general ceiling of 150 feet, approximately 45 metres, for drone operations in uncontrolled airspace. Sri Lanka Drone has not yet confirmed a single published universal figure directly in a current CAASL document, so this number should be treated as indicative until confirmed in your approval or with CAASL.

Status: the commonly cited 45 m figure requires confirmation against current CAASL implementing standards. Follow your approval conditions.

Operating in controlled airspace, or in the vicinity of an airport or helipad, requires prior authorisation from air traffic control in addition to the standard approval process. Around international airports such as Bandaranaike International Airport near Negombo and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport near Hambantota, drone activity is tightly restricted. The CAASL Drone Zone Map is the official reference for restricted, authorisation and warning areas.

Request the altitude you actually need when applying for operation approval, and do not exceed the altitude stated in the approval. Keep the drone within visual line of sight, which in practice also constrains altitude. If your project genuinely requires higher altitudes, for example for mapping or inspection work, raise this explicitly with CAASL during the application process rather than assuming a general limit.