Every regulatory statement on this platform traces back to an official source. This directory lists the authorities involved in drone regulation in Sri Lanka, what each is responsible for, and where their current guidance lives.
Sources marked verified were checked against the live official page on the stated date. Sources marked official reference list the authority's published domain for orientation; procedures and contact details can change, so always confirm on the official site. Core sources last verified 19 July 2026.
Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka
The primary regulator for civil drone operations. Publishes the registration, approval and import guidance this platform is verified against.
Topics: registration, operation approval, categories, operating rules, imports
Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka
Describes the three-part approval flow: MOD security clearance, no-objection letters and the CAASL operation approval request.
Topics: operation approval, security clearance, forms, lead times
Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka
The official geographical guidance for drone zones. The map indicates zone status; it does not by itself constitute flight approval.
Topics: zones, restricted areas, airports, location checking
Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka
The online entry point for drone registration and related applications.
Topics: registration, applications, processing
Ministry of Defence
The MOD issues the security clearance listed as mandatory in CAASL's approval flow. Requests are processed through the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff.
Topics: security clearance, processing times, required documents
Department of Archaeology
Official map of protected archaeological locations. Flying at or near heritage sites may require a no-objection from the Department.
Topics: heritage sites, no-objection letters, protected monuments
Department of Archaeology
The authority responsible for protected monuments and archaeological reserves. Contact details and procedures should be verified on the current official site.
Topics: heritage protection, site permissions
Department of Wildlife Conservation
Administers national parks and wildlife reserves. Drone use in or over parks generally involves the Department's permission in addition to aviation approvals.
Topics: national parks, wildlife areas, park permissions
Forest Department
Responsible for forest reserves and conservation forests, which can carry their own access and overflight considerations.
Topics: forest reserves, conservation areas
Sri Lanka Customs
Border control for drones entering the country. Import permissions from MOD, CAASL, TRCSL and the Import and Export Control Department are checked at the border.
Topics: imports, traveller declarations, detention and release
TRCSL
CAASL's import flow names TRCSL for spectrum clearance of drone radio equipment after MOD clearance.
Topics: spectrum clearance, radio equipment
Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited
Operates the international airports. Drone operations near aerodromes are prohibited or tightly restricted under CAASL rules.
Topics: airports, aerodrome environments
Sri Lanka Air Force
Military aviation authority. Areas around air force installations are sensitive locations where civilian drone flight is not permitted.
Topics: military airspace, security
Survey Department of Sri Lanka
The national mapping agency, relevant to professional surveying and geospatial data work.
Topics: national mapping, geospatial data, survey regulation
Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management Department
Manages the coastal zone. Relevant to coastal monitoring applications and shoreline projects.
Topics: coastal zone, coastal monitoring
Central Environmental Authority
The environmental regulator, relevant where drone work touches protected or environmentally sensitive areas.
Topics: environmental protection, sensitive areas
Sri Lanka Ports Authority
Operates the major ports. Harbours are security-sensitive environments where drone flight requires specific permissions.
Topics: ports, harbour areas
Where this platform and an official source differ, the official source is correct. Found an outdated link or a source we should add? Suggest a correction →
