Drone Registration in Sri Lanka: How It Works
Last verified 2026-07-19 · Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL)
How to register a drone with CAASL in Sri Lanka: form CAA/AS/019, mass categories, the 200 g camera exemption, ownership transfer and deregistration.
By the Sri Lanka Drone Editorial Team · Last reviewed 19 July 2026
Quick answer
Drones in Sri Lanka are registered with the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka by sending the completed form CAA/AS/019 by email. Registration is a prerequisite for operating a drone. The only exemption under current CAASL guidance is a drone of 200 g or less that carries no camera or other data-capture tool. Ownership transfers and deregistration are handled through form CAA/AU/012.
- Responsible authority
- Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL)
- Who this applies to
- Drone owners in Sri Lanka, including foreign visitors bringing drones.
- Verification status
- verified against official source
- Last verified
- 19 July 2026
- Last reviewed
- 19 July 2026
Who must register a drone?
Registration with CAASL is described in official guidance as a prerequisite for the operation of a drone. CAASL categorises drones by maximum take-off mass: Category A at 25 kg or above, Category B from 1 kg to below 25 kg, Category C above 200 g up to 1 kg, and Category D at 200 g or below.
The stated exemption is narrow: a drone weighing 200 g or less that is not fitted with any data-capturing or data-retrieval tool, such as a camera, does not need to be registered with CAASL. Since almost all consumer drones carry cameras, most drones require registration regardless of weight.
How to register
Registration is completed by sending the filled form CAA/AS/019 to CAASL by email. CAASL also operates an online drone system through its Drone Operations Portal, where applications and supporting documents such as passport or national identity card copies are uploaded. Foreign operators should have clear scans of their passport ready; local operators use their national identity card.
Drones fitted with sensors that could pose a safety or security concern may be subject to a CAASL inspection before registration. Privately built drones with a serial number on the control board are registered with CAA/AS/019; kits without a serial number use form CAA/AU/011.
After registration
Registration alone does not permit flying. Each operation additionally requires a security clearance from the Ministry of Defence and an operation approval from CAASL. Operators are expected to carry their registration documentation during operations.
Secondary sources widely report that an Unmanned Aircraft Registration Certificate is valid for two years and must then be renewed; confirm the current validity period with CAASL when registering.
The two-year validity period is reported by secondary sources and should be confirmed with CAASL.
Ownership transfer and deregistration
If you buy or sell a CAASL-registered drone, the change of ownership is notified using form CAA/AU/012. The same form is used to deregister a drone that is unserviceable or will no longer be operated in Sri Lanka, by notifying CAASL.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to register a DJI Mini in Sri Lanka?
Yes. Even sub-250 g drones carry cameras, and the CAASL exemption only covers drones of 200 g or less without any camera or data-capture sensor. A camera drone must be registered.
How do I register my drone with CAASL?
Send the completed form CAA/AS/019 to CAASL by email, or apply through the CAASL Drone Operations Portal with your identity documents. Sensor-equipped drones may be inspected before registration.
Can tourists register a drone in Sri Lanka?
Foreign operators apply through the same CAASL process using their passport as identification. Import permissions are a separate step; see the guide on bringing a drone to Sri Lanka.
How do I deregister or sell a registered drone?
Complete form CAA/AU/012 and send it to CAASL, both for ownership transfers and for deregistering an unserviceable drone.
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