The Sri Lankan agency responsible for drone safety, CAASL, has provided several details on flying for fun or work. The highlights are enumerated below. For more details, go to the link above. Are drones allowed in Sri Lanka? According to the CAASL, flying drones is legal in Sri Lanka, but certain regulations must be strictly followed. Read on for more details. Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Sri Lanka: Drones are divided into four Mass Categories under the current regulatory framework. Category A - 25 kg (55 lbs) or above Category B - Above 1 kg (2.2 lbs) but below 25 kg (55 lbs) Category C - Above 200 g (0.44 lbs) but at or below 1 kg (2.2 lbs) Category D - 200 g (0.44 lbs) or below The individual categories are subject to specific compliance requirements. Any drone (regardless of mass category) equipped with data capturing sensors (i.e., Cameras) that could pose a safety or security threat shall not be flown without prior authorization from the area’s local police. Prior authorization from the local police is not required if the operator obtains written approval from the airport in that region or if the aircraft is operated under the supervision of a CAASL-authorized person. Drones in categories A and B with data-collection sensors must be registered with the CAASL. A Category C drone without data-collection sensors must be registered with a certified vendor. A Category D drone not equipped with data-collection sensors is exempt from registration requirements. Drones cannot fly at speeds greater than 87 knots (100 mph). The remote pilot must always maintain a visual line of sight (VLOS) and be aware of their surroundings. A drone operation should not be conducted in inclement weather or with less than 5 kilometers of visibility (3 miles). A single drone may be operated concurrently by the same remote pilot. Operating a drone from a moving vehicle, boat, or other moving platforms is prohibited. Remote pilots must always yield to manned aircraft and other human-powered vehicles. A drone should keep a safe distance from people, birds, and property. Drones are prohibited from operating at night between 20 minutes after sunset and 20 minutes before sunrise. Drones classified as Category A, B, or C must be insured. Without prior authorization, operating within Sri Lanka’s territorial waters is prohibited. A drone cannot operate within Class C, D, or E airspace or five miles of any airport without prior ATC authorization. Registration Requirements for Drone Flying in Sri Lanka? Drone Registration Sri Lanka It is a prerequisite for the OPERATION of a drone. You can register using the CAA online Drone Registration system. You can register your drone by sending completed Registration form to drone@caa.lk Except for Temporary Certificates, an Unmanned Aircraft Registration Certificate is valid for two years and must be renewed every two years. During an operation, the drone’s operator must carry their Registration Certificate. Before registration, drones equipped with sensors that could pose a safety or security threat may be subject to an inspection by the CAASL. If the drone is no longer operational or will cease to be operated within the country, it must be de-registered by notifying the Director-General of Civil Aviation. Pilot Registration A remote pilot operating a Category A, B, or C aircraft must obtain registration from the CAASL after passing a Competency Check conducted by the CAASL or an authorized third party. To obtain a registration, the operator must be at least 18 years old unless otherwise authorized in writing by the Director-General of Civil Aviation. A remote pilot operating a Category A, B, or C aircraft must renew their Authorization Certificate every two years. Only Sri Lankan citizens can apply for a standard registration; non-citizens may apply for a Temporary Registration.