Sri Lanka is preparing to introduce commercial passenger drone services for the first time, with operations expected to begin within the next two to three months, Minister Anura Karunathilaka has announced.
The Minister said the initial test flights for the project are scheduled to take place on November 11, following preliminary testing currently underway within the Colombo Port City premises.
He said the initiative had received the necessary approvals from relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Defence and the Civil Aviation Authority.
The project is being led by Chinese aviation technology company EHang, with the Sri Lankan Government providing policy support, infrastructure and regulatory clearances.
“We expect to commence initial flight operations on November 11. If these tests prove successful, we aim to launch commercial operations within the next two to three months,” the Minister said.
During the initial phase, the service will primarily target the tourism sector, offering local and foreign visitors an opportunity to view Colombo and its surrounding areas from the air.
The Minister added that, if the initial operations are successful, the Government plans to extend the service to other major tourist destinations, including Sigiriya and Jaffna.
The project will use electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed to carry passengers without an onboard pilot.
The Minister also stressed that the Government is working closely with aviation and security authorities to ensure that all regulatory and safety requirements are met before commercial services begin.
