Sri Lanka conducts first pilotless passenger drone test flight at Colombo Port City
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Sri Lanka conducted its first official demonstration flight of an electric, pilotless passenger drone on 11 November 2026 at Colombo Port City. Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Anura Karunathilaka flew aboard the aircraft during the inaugural flight.
The trial used a Chinese EHang E216 two-seater electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft. Remotely operated from a central station, the drone features 16 propellers, 12 battery packs, and automated safety systems for emergency failures.
Testing will continue at Port City across a six-month trial phase. Deputy Minister Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku announced that commercial passenger operations are expected within six months, with additional plans to expand into cargo transport.
Authorities expect the service to support aerial tourism to destinations like Sigiriya and Pidurangala, as well as emergency services, coordinated by aviation, defence, port city, and tourism agencies.
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தெற்காசியாவின் முதலாவது வர்த்தக பயணிகள் ட்ரோன் சேவை இன்று கொழும்பில் ஆரம்பமானது | Virakesari.lk
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නියමු රහිත පළමු මගී ඩ්රෝන පියාසැරිය සාර්ථකයි
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'මට දැනුණේ මම අහසේ පියාසර කරනවා වගෙයි' - දිනමිණ
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கொழும்பில் பறக்கத் தயாரான ஆளில்லாப் பயணிகள் ட்ரோன் (Video)
How the story developed
- EසිதThis storyMinister Anura Karunathilaka flew in the drone during the official demonstration flight.
- EThe EH216-S aircraft completed an autonomous demonstration flight at Colombo Port City.
- EThe Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the aircraft used sandbags for preliminary load simulation tests.
- EOfficials identified the initiative as a pilot project for tourism and logistics applications.
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