Do tourists need a permit to fly drones in Sri Lanka.
2 Answers from travellers
Yes you absolutely need official permission from both the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Defence before flying any drone in the country. The application must be submitted at least three weeks before your arrival and includes details about your drone model, intended flight locations, and dates. Customs officers at Bandaranaike airport will detain undeclared drones at the immigration counter.
Even with permits drones are strictly banned over all archaeological sites including Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, and Dambulla. National parks also prohibit drones to protect wildlife. The penalties for illegal flying include heavy fines, equipment confiscation, and even potential deportation. Many tourists hire local drone operators who already have valid permits as a much simpler alternative.
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