🚁 Sri Lanka Explores Passenger Drones to Elevate Tourism & Emergency Response

• Strategic Modernization: Sri Lanka is evaluating autonomous electric passenger drone services to transform local transportation. The project aims to enhance tourism access, offer rapid transfers between key locations, and diversify transport infrastructure. • Key Operational Sectors: • Tourism: Fast-track transfers between Katunayake (BIA), Colombo, Port City, and cultural hot spots like Sigiriya. • Emergency & Defense Services: Dual-use potential in disaster response management, urgent medical transport, and maritime navigation. • Trial & Commercial Timeline: • Pilot Phase: Initial pilot testing set for September 2026 featuring two two-passenger autonomous electric aircraft operating over distances up to 25 km. • Estimated Cost: Proposed airport-to-city transfers targeting an estimated fare of US$ 20–30 per trip. • Commercial Rollout: Target launch for full commercial operations within 6 months, pending regulatory, defense, and civil aviation safety clearances.