Lanka set to launch passenger drone service

Sri Lanka is preparing to introduce passenger drone services for the first time, with a pilot project scheduled to commence on November 11, the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation said.

The battery-powered or renewable-energy-based drones are designed to operate without producing carbon emissions during flight, while some models can also operate autonomously without an onboard pilot using computer-based systems and GPS technology.

The technology is being explored worldwide as an alternative mode of transport to ease traffic congestion and provide faster passenger links within and between cities.

China-based EHang, a leading manufacturer of autonomous aerial vehicles, is spearheading the introduction of the technology in Sri Lanka.

During the initial phase, the service is expected to operate between Colombo and destinations along the southern coast, as well as between Katunayake and Port City Colombo.

Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilake said preliminary testing of the unmanned drone taxi service was already underway, with the necessary approvals obtained from relevant institutions, including the Ministry of Defence and the Civil Aviation Authority.

He said the service would initially cater to foreign visitors and local tourists, including flights over Colombo and surrounding areas.

The Government also plans to expand the service to major tourist destinations such as Sigiriya and Jaffna.

The Ministry said passenger drone technology could also be used to support tourism, emergency and disaster response operations and the maritime sector.