The Government is preparing a national strategy to guide the development, testing and commercial use of drone technology.
The Ministry of Science and Technology held a preliminary stakeholder meeting on September 2 to discuss the proposed framework. Science and Technology Minister Chrishantha Abeysena led the meeting.
The ministry said drones are already widely used in areas such as agriculture. It said this growing use creates a need for a more coordinated approach to the technology.
New standards for drones
The proposed strategy will set national standards for drone manufacturing and assembly.
It will also cover safety standards and drone use in agriculture, industry and environmental work.
These standards could give businesses clearer requirements when they develop or assemble drones for commercial use.
The strategy will also look at how existing regulations affect the industry. Officials want to identify legal and policy barriers that could slow the development or use of drones.
Testing and research facilities
The Government also plans to identify suitable locations for drone testing and quality control.
This could give local companies and researchers a way to test new drone systems under recognised conditions before taking them to market.
The strategy will also identify research and technology priorities. Officials will look at areas where drone technology could support new products and commercial services.
That could create opportunities for universities, engineers and technology companies to work together on local drone solutions.
Many agencies involved
The September 2 discussion brought together institutions involved in aviation, defence, communications, engineering, research and several industries.
Representatives from the Ministry of Defence, Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka, Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka Air Force attended the meeting.
The Sri Lanka Standards Institution, state universities, Arthur C. Clarke Institute, NARA and the Survey, Agriculture and Irrigation departments also took part.
The broad group reflects the number of areas affected by drone technology.
A drone used for farming can raise different regulatory questions from one used for surveying, industrial work or security.
From regulation to commercial use
The proposed strategy would build on regulations that already govern drone operations.
The Civil Aviation Authority requires businesses involved in manufacturing, assembling, designing or repairing drones as a business to obtain the required permits. It also regulates drone operations and registration. (caa.lk)
CAASL has also been working on a licensing system for commercial and professional drone operators.
The proposed national strategy could bring these different areas into a wider plan for the technology.
For businesses, the key question will be whether the new framework makes it easier to move from an idea or prototype to a tested and approved commercial product.
For farmers and other users, common standards could also make it easier to choose equipment that meets safety and quality requirements.
The Government has not yet finalised the strategy or announced a date for its implementation.
For now, the September 2 meeting marks an early step towards a national framework covering how drones are developed, tested, regulated and brought into commercial use.
Ministerial Update Panel Discussion
Last modified: September 8, 2026
