Do I have to register my Drone with Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL)?
All drones must be registered except drones which are not fitted with any data capturing device and weighs less than 200g.
How may I register my Drone with CAASL?
You can register your drone by sending completed CAA/AU/015 form to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
My drone weighs less than 200g, do I have to register with CAASL?
If it equipped with any data capturing device you need to register with CAASL.
Drones which are not fitted with any data capturing device and weighs less than 200g are not required to register with CAASL.
Can I operate my Drone without approval?
Yes you can, but only when your drone;
- Weighs below 200g and
- Not fitted with any data capturing device (ex: camera) and
- Operates in own premises or with consent of the property owner and
- Below 150ft above ground level.
In all other situation you have to obtain CAASL approval.
My drone is registered at CAASL. Do I have to obtain permission when I fly my drone for leisure?
Yes, irrespective of the purpose you have to obtain CAASL approval.
How can I get the flying approval from CAASL?
Upon submission of;
- CAA/AS/016 application,
- Security Clearance obtain by the Office of Chief of Defence Staff (OCDS) and
- Third party liability insurance cover of the drone
CAASL will issue the flying approval.
(Click here to go to the operation approval page)
Do I have to get security clearance from Office of Chief of Defence Staff (OCDS) for all my drone operations? Even in my own land?
Yes. As per the agreed procedure by defence authorities, security clearance is a pre-requisite.
For more information please contact Office of Chief of Defence Staff (OCDS).
(Contact details of OCDS: Tel: +94 11 2674503; +94 11 2674506 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
Can I fly my drone only using the security clearance received from OCDS?
No. You are required to obtain airspace approval from CAASL for you to fly your drone legally.
What if I need to fly my drone in a different location which was not in the original permission obtain from CAASL?
Then you have to apply for fresh approval for the new location.
What is the maximum height I’m allowed to fly my drone?
Up to 150ft above ground level.
However you can obtain a special permission if you want to fly above 150ft from ground level with special conditions, based on the purpose of drone operation.
Do I need to have an insurance cover for my drone?
Yes. You need to have a third party liability insurance cover for your drone to operate.
Can I fly my drone during night time?
Yes, with an approval. You have to mention the time duration when you apply for an approval.
Can I fly near an Airport?
Yes, with a consent letter/ correspondence from the accountable manager of the airport you can apply to CAASL to obtain airspace approval.
Can I operate my drone from my roof top?
Operations from elevated ground, building or an object are not allowed during a normal operation.
However you can obtain a special permission with special conditions.
Can I operate my drone from my vehicle when it is moving, where the driver is somebody else?
Operation from moving vehicle, platform are not allowed during normal operation.
However you can obtain a special permission with special conditions.
