Drones have revolutionized the video production industry, offering breathtaking aerial perspectives that were once only possible with helicopters or cranes. In Sri Lanka, with its stunning landscapes, historical sites, and diverse natural beauty, drone cinematography has become an essential tool for filmmakers, content creators, and businesses.
However, flying a drone in Sri Lanka is not as simple as just taking off and capturing footage. The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) enforces strict regulations to ensure safety, security, and privacy. Whether you’re a local video production company or a foreign filmmaker looking to capture Sri Lanka’s scenic beauty, understanding the legal requirements for drone operations is crucial.
This guide breaks down the complete approval process, covering drone registration, flight permissions, insurance requirements, and the necessary authorities to contact—ensuring a smooth and legal aerial filming experience in Sri Lanka.
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Drone Registration in Sri Lanka
All drones equipped with data retrieval tools, such as cameras, must be registered with the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL), regardless of their weight. The registration process is as follows:
Determine Your Drone's Category:
Category D: 200 grams or below
Category C: Above 200 grams but at or below 1 kilogram
Category B: Above 1 kilogram but below 25 kilograms
Category A: 25 kilograms or above
Note: Even if your drone falls under Category D, registration is mandatory if it possesses a camera or any data retrieval tool. The insurance value of the third party insurance for your drone is dependent on its size and weight as well
Complete the Registration Form:
Fill out the CAA/AU/015 form available on the CAASL website.
Submit the Form:
Email the completed form to drone@caa.lk. As of May 2021, this process is free of charge.
It's important to note that drone registration does not grant permission to operate the drone; a separate flight approval is required.
As of recent years, even if you are not a resident of Sri Lanka or you are a foreigner planning to fly your drone while you’re here on vacation, you still need to register your drone like everyone else, in the same manner as a local resident.
Also to note that custom build UAVs/Drones such as FPV drones require registration and have separate forms on their website as well.
Importing a drone for use in Sri Lanka has its own standards to meet so be sure to check out their requirements on the CAA website as well.
Obtaining Flight Approval
Securing permission to operate a drone in Sri Lanka involves several steps:
Prepare Necessary Documents:
Drone Registration: Proof of registration with CAASL.
Insurance Coverage: Valid third-party liability insurance for the drone.
Flight Plan: Detailed information on intended flight locations, dates, and times.
Online Application Submission:
Access the CAASL Online Drone Approval System to submit your application. Ensure all required documents are uploaded.
Await Processing:
The standard processing time is approximately ten working days. However, recent experiences suggest allowing up to three weeks for approval.
Fee Payment:
Upon application approval, a fee—typically around $50 USD—is required. The exact amount may vary based on the number of flight locations specified.
Receive Flight Approval:
After payment confirmation, you will receive official authorization to conduct drone operations as specified in your application.
For flights in sensitive or protected areas, additional clearances from relevant authorities may be necessary. For example, operations near archaeological sites require permission from the Department of Archaeology, while flights in national parks necessitate approval from the Department of Wildlife Conservation. According to the CAA website, it is even possible to fly near an airport if you have followed protocol and received the relevant permits.
Insurance Requirements
Obtaining third-party liability insurance is a prerequisite for drone operations in Sri Lanka. As of February 2022, Sri Lanka Insurance is known to offer such coverage.
To acquire insurance, provide the following documents:
National Identity Card
Invoice of drone purchase
Drone registration confirmation from CAASL
Key Authorities and Contact Information
For a smooth approval process, it's essential to liaise with the appropriate authorities:
Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL):
Phone: +94 11 2 358 819
Email: contactus@caa.lk
Office of the Chief of Defence Staff (OCDS):
Phone: +94 11 2 674503 or +94 11 2 674506
Fax: +94 11 2 674507
Email: ocds@army.lk
Engaging with these authorities ensures that all regulatory requirements are met, facilitating lawful drone operations within Sri Lanka.
Also to keep in mind that in certain instances depending on the operation you will be required to have an Air-Force personnel beside you as you fly your drone. There may also be instances where you would, for good measure, write to the Ministry of Defence with the details of your shoot, just to keep them informed as well. It is also best that once you have all the permits to fly, you should keep the local police station also informed so that you have all your bases covered.
You do always have the option of reaching out to a production company for support on your aerial footage requirements and they would be more than able to assist with all the permits and other formalities that you will be required to have. Not to mention the great cinematic footage you will be able to have captured at the end of the day.
We at Clear are always there for your aerial and commercial production requirements, so feel free to reach out to us and we will be able to assist you.
Here's one of our recent productions where we used our drones to create visually stunning imagery!
Adhering to Sri Lanka's drone regulations is crucial for video production companies aiming to operate within legal parameters. By following the outlined steps for drone registration, obtaining flight approvals, securing necessary insurance, and coordinating with relevant authorities, companies can focus on capturing compelling aerial footage while ensuring compliance with local laws.
Feel free to reach out to us, to see how we can help you with your photography in Sri Lanka and videography-related content requirements. Clear Sri Lanka is a well-known Video Production house provides Commercial Production services.
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