Sri Lanka to Launch First-Ever Passenger Drone Service

COLOMBO (News 1st): Preparations are underway to introduce a passenger drone service in Sri Lanka for the first time in the country's history.

The Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation says the pilot project is scheduled to commence on November 11.

The passenger drones are designed to operate entirely on battery power or renewable energy, eliminating carbon emissions during operation.

Many passenger drones are also designed to operate autonomously, without an onboard pilot, using computer-based systems and GPS technology.

The technology is seen as a potential solution to traffic congestion, offering an alternative means of transporting passengers within and between cities.

Several leading technology and aircraft manufacturing companies around the world are now involved in developing passenger drones.

Taking the lead in introducing this technology to Sri Lanka is China-based EHang, a globally renowned manufacturer of autonomous aerial vehicles.

In 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.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation says the technology could also support tourism development, emergency disaster response operations and maritime sector requirements.

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

According to Minister Karunathilake, during the initial phase, the passenger drones are expected to serve both foreign visitors arriving in Sri Lanka and local tourists, offering flights over Colombo and its surrounding areas.

Plans are also underway to expand the service to major tourist destinations across the country, including Sigiriya and Jaffna.