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Sri Lanka CAA drone permit process 2026: Ministry of Defence clearance timeline?

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E
Elena•880 rep

I am bringing a DJI Mavic 3 Pro for commercial landscape filming across Central Province. What is the verified step-by-step sequence between the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Ministry of Defence (MOD) clearances, and how strictly is unregistered import checked at Bandaranaike Customs?

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4 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted Answer

The required protocol follows this strict order: First submit your security clearance form directly to the Ministry of Defence (MOD) at least 21 business days prior to landing. Once MOD approval issues, upload it to the CAA Sri Lanka portal alongside insurance certificates, proof of competency, and serial specifications to obtain your flight authorization. Customs at CMB will impound any drone over 250 grams lacking the pre-issued clearance letter until registration fees are settled.

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R
Roshan•1580 rep

Note that recreational flyers often try skipping the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) approval, but if your flight path clips Horton Plains, Sigiriya sanctuary grounds, or Yala, the standard CAA pass becomes invalid on site without additional DWC permits.

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E
Elena•880 rep

Expect an unannounced equipment inspection if flying anywhere inside Kandy city limits due to the Dalada Maligawa high-security air exclusion corridor. Strictly keep below 120m AGL and maintain direct line of sight.

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C
Chaminda•1620 rep

If flagged at customs without prior clearance, you must surrender the craft to the airport bonding facility under a deposit slip. You can collect it when departing CMB, but recovering it mid-stay without paperwork takes upwards of two weeks.

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S
Senaka•1720 rep

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