Sri Lankan police have issued a nationwide warning about the potential use of drones in terrorist attacks, prompting a major information-gathering operation targeting companies that import unmanned aircraft, spare parts, and related equipment. The alert reflects growing concerns within the country’s security establishment that drone technology, while increasingly popular for commercial and recreational use, could also be exploited for covert attacks under the cover of legitimate business activities.
The directive was issued by the Inspector General of Police, who has instructed all police stations across the island to collect detailed information on businesses involved in the drone trade. Police units have been asked to identify companies importing drones and spare components, as well as shops selling the devices and workshops engaged in repairing them. The move is part of a broader effort to ensure that all such operations are functioning strictly under the permissions granted by the Civil Aviation Act No. 14 of 2010, which regulates the import, sale, and use of unmanned aerial systems in Sri Lanka.
Security officials say that the rapid global expansion of drone technology has transformed the way governments think about potential threats. Small pilotless aircraft, once used primarily by hobbyists or photographers, are now widely employed in industries ranging from agriculture to infrastructure monitoring. However, the same technology can also be modified for destructive purposes, allowing attackers to bypass traditional security barriers and strike targets remotely.
Sri Lankan authorities fear that the country could become vulnerable to such tactics if drone imports and distribution networks are not properly monitored. According to police sources, some companies are already importing drones and spare parts under the provisions of the Civil Aviation Act. While these activities are legal when conducted under approved licenses, officials say the growing number of devices entering the market has created challenges for effective oversight.
