Maldivians arrested in SL, for flying drone over high-security zone, released
4 ފެބުރުއަރީ 2019 | ހޯމަ 09:01They were arrested for 'flying the drone and video-graphing the area' at the Katunayake, Bandaranaike International Airport, without the required approval
File photo: drone at airport
The four Maldivian arrested in Sri Lanka on Saturday, for operating a drone over a high-security zone, have been released.
While President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih arrived in Colombo on Sunday to attend the country's Independence Day celebrations, RaajjeMV understands that they were released that night.
While they were to be produced to the Negombo Magistrate's Court for a remand hearing on Sunday, it is not clear if they were released through court.
According to Sri Lankan media outlets, they were arrested for 'flying the drone and video-graphing the area' at the Katunayake, Bandaranaike International Airport, without the required approval.
While the four are between the ages of 19 and 23, among them is a female.
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 to operate drone flights at night time.
