Parliament approves 4.26 bln rupees for Air Force UAV system

Parliament has approved a supplementary allocation of 4.26 billion Sri Lankan rupees (about 12.8 million U.S. dollars) to establish an unmanned aerial vehicle system for the Sri Lanka Air Force.

Supplementary Estimate No. 08 of 2026, seeking 4.261 billion rupees for the project, was approved on Thursday following a parliamentary debate.

According to parliament, the funding is aimed at strengthening the Air Force's operational capabilities in response to changing security and environmental challenges.

The proposed UAV system will take into account changes in the operational environment, disaster risks in the Bay of Bengal and surrounding regions, and emerging threats associated with persistent adverse weather conditions.

The allocation may be financed through the Consolidated Fund, other government funds or government borrowing.

Parliament also passed the Trusts (Amendment) Bill without amendments following its second reading debate. The bill, which seeks to amend the Trusts Ordinance, was presented by Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara.