With the aim of launching an unmanned passenger drone service in Sri Lanka, the first test flight of an electric-powered drone will be conducted tomorrow (11) at the Colombo Port City premises. This initiative comes as a result of discussions held last August between representatives of EHang, a renowned Chinese passenger drone manufacturer, and senior officials of the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation.

Key Points

  • The first test flight will be conducted tomorrow at the Colombo Port City premises.
  • The EH216 model passenger drone, which can carry two persons, has already been brought to the country.
  • This will not operate as a commercial passenger service initially, but on a trial basis for a period of six months.

Participants and technology

Minister Anura Karunathilaka, Deputy Minister Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku, Ministry Secretary W. W. S. Mangala, and a group of senior officials from the Civil Aviation Authority participated in these discussions.

Attention was mainly focused on using these aircraft, which feature 'eVTOL' (electric vertical take-off and landing) technology requiring no runways, for tourism, passenger transport, and emergency services.

Aircraft details and future plans

The 'EH216' model aircraft, which has already been brought to the island and can carry two passengers, is equipped with 16 propellers, 12 battery packs, 3 flight control systems, and an integrated computerised management system. Remotely operated, the aircraft is designed to automatically trigger safety measures in the event of any malfunction or communication breakdown.

Initially, this will not run as a commercial service but as a pilot project planned to operate at the Port City over a six-month period. Authorities reportedly intend to use this technology in the future to transport tourists to key destinations such as Sigiriya, Pidurangala, the central highlands, and coastal islands.

What next?

These tests are planned to be conducted continuously at the Port City premises for about six months, with hopes of eventually transporting local and foreign tourists to prime tourist attractions including Sigiriya and Pidurangala.