Four Maldivians have been arrested in Sri Lanka on Saturday night, for operating a drove over a high-security zone at the Katunayake, Bandaranaike International Airport.

According to Sri Lankan media outlets, they were arrested for 'flying the drone and video-graphing the area' without the required approval.

While the four are between the ages of 19 and 23, among them is a female.

They are to be produced to Negombo Magistrate's Court for a remand hearing on Sunday.

In Sri Lanka, a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is required before operating a drone. The permit can only be approved after the confirmation by the country’s defence ministry. A separate permit must be obtained form drone flights at night time.