Drone regulations and police enforcement over surf breaks in Ahangama

Asked about 2 months agoSeen by 93 travellers8 found this helpful
J
Jack W.6275 rep2
asked about 2 months ago

I want to fly my DJI Mavic over Marshmallows and Lazy Left in Ahangama. Do the local police actually enforce drone bans over the surf spots.

8
asked about 2 months ago
J
Jack W.6275 rep2

8 Answers from travellers

Accepted Answer

Technically, you need a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) permit to fly anywhere in Sri Lanka. In practice, over open ocean surf breaks in Ahangama, the police rarely bother you UNLESS you fly directly over a resort or a military installation (there is a small Navy camp nearby). However, the local surfers will definitely enforce their own rules if you hover too low and annoy them with the buzzing noise.

6
answered about 2 months ago
R
Ruwan P.6920 rep1

Do not launch from the main road. The traffic is crazy. Find a quiet patch of sand.

46
answered about 2 months ago
S
Sophie T.5570 rep2

A local surfer threw a rock at a drone that was hovering 10 feet above him at Midigama last week. Fly high!

42
answered about 2 months ago
S
Sophie T.5570 rep2

Also, be very careful of the sea eagles. They nest in the palm trees along Ahangama and will attack drones aggressively.

40
answered about 2 months ago
N
Nimali D.4600 rep1

Thanks, I will keep it respectful and high altitude.

37
answered about 2 months ago
J
Jack W.6275 rep2

Good to know about the eagles. I lost a drone to a seagull in Australia.

25
answered about 2 months ago
J
Jack W.6275 rep2

The lighting at golden hour (5:30 PM) over Lazy Left is unbelievable from the air.

15
answered about 2 months ago
N
Nimali D.4600 rep1

If police do show up, just be polite, bring it down immediately, and feign ignorance. Do not argue.

4
answered about 2 months ago
R
Ruwan P.6920 rep1

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