Sri Lanka to Launch Passenger Drone Service Next Month
Sri Lanka is preparing to launch a passenger drone service as part of a pilot project aimed at introducing advanced air mobility technology to the country, the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation said.
Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Ruwan Kodithuwakku said the service will be operated in Sri Lanka by Chinese drone manufacturer EHang, with the pilot project scheduled to begin next month.
Passenger Drone Service to Begin With Pilot Routes
According to the Deputy Minister, the initial phase will focus on selected routes connecting Colombo with locations along the southern coastal belt, while another route is planned between Katunayake and Port City Colombo.
The service is expected to demonstrate how passenger drones could be incorporated into Sri Lanka’s future transport and tourism infrastructure.
Drones to Support Tourism and Emergency Response
The government expects the technology to have applications beyond passenger transportation.
Kodithuwakku said the passenger drone service could help promote Sri Lanka’s tourism industry by providing a new form of transportation and aerial travel experience.
The technology could also potentially be used for emergency disaster response, particularly in situations where conventional transport is disrupted.
The Deputy Minister further said the drones could be utilised for maritime navigation and related activities in the marine sector.
AI-Based Automatic Control System
The planned passenger drone operations will use an automated control system, with drones monitored and controlled through a central control room.
According to Kodithuwakku, artificial intelligence (AI) technology will be used as part of the control and operational system.
The proposed project represents a significant step toward introducing advanced air mobility technology in Sri Lanka and could provide a foundation for wider passenger drone services in the future.
The government’s pilot programme will determine how the technology can be safely and effectively integrated into Sri Lanka’s transport, tourism and emergency-response sectors.
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