Drone Security Clearance in Sri Lanka (MOD)

Sri Lanka treats drone operations as a security matter as well as an aviation matter. Camera-equipped aircraft near military installations, ports, government facilities and critical infrastructure raise legitimate security concerns, and the clearance process gives the defence establishment visibility of who is flying, where and when. For operators, understanding this context helps: applications that are precise about people, equipment, locations and timing are easier to assess.

The request is submitted to the MOD by email at least five days before the planned operation, using the sample request letter provided through CAASL's guidance. Expect to describe the operator and any additional remote pilots, the drone's make, model and registration, the purpose of the flight, and the precise locations and dates.

The clearance letter issued by the MOD is then included with the CAASL operation approval request on form CAA/AS/017. Without the MOD letter, the CAASL request is incomplete.

Build the five-day minimum into your schedule and treat it as a floor, not a promise. Keep locations consistent across the MOD request, the CAASL form and any no-objection letters; mismatched coordinates are an avoidable source of delay. For operations near security-sensitive locations, expect additional scrutiny or refusal, and consider alternative sites early.