The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has urged the general public to exercise extreme caution when operating drones in areas impacted by the ongoing disaster situation, warning that unregulated drone flights pose a serious threat to critical rescue and relief missions.
According to the SLAF, unauthorized or poorly coordinated drone activity can interfere with aircraft engaged in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. Such disruptions may affect flight paths, delay emergency missions, and in worst cases, lead to accidents that risk the lives of aircrew, damage vital air assets, and endanger civilians on the ground.
To support the safety and smooth execution of ongoing air operations, the SLAF requests the public to:
- Avoid flying drones in any area where SLAF or other response aircraft are conducting relief missions.
- Notify the SLAF of all drone take-off and landing times—whether authorized or unauthorized—before operating any drone.
- General Lines: 0112343970 / 0112343971
- Hotline: 115
