Sri Lanka is preparing to test a passenger drone service next month, with plans to establish commercial operations within six months, Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Ruwan Kodithuwakku said, according to Newswire.

Under the initial plan, the passenger drones will operate over distances of up to 25 kilometres, with two flight paths toward tourist destinations under consideration.

The first phase of the pilot project is expected to focus on routes from Colombo toward the southern coast and between Katunayake and Port City.

Kodithuwakku said two aircraft are expected to arrive in Sri Lanka in September, with route plans to be drawn up during the first two months of the pilot project.

The initiative is being explored as a means of supporting tourism development, while potential applications for emergency and disaster response, as well as marine and naval requirements, are also under consideration.

The deputy minister said one of the main advantages of the aircraft is that they require relatively little space for takeoff and landing.

He said the government hopes to establish a commercial passenger drone service in Sri Lanka within six months following the initial trials.

Source: Newswire