A new mechanism to monitor drones would be implemented - Air Force Chief

-By Shane Seneviratne   

Air Force Commander Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe said yesterday that a new mechanism would be implemented in the near future to monitor drones operated by various individuals in the Sri Lankan sky, as they could be a security threat.   
He pointed out that flying drones in Sri Lanka should be properly monitored while addressing media after attending religious observances at the Sri Dalada Maligawa and visiting the Mahanayake Theras of Malwatta and Asgiriya Chapters on Saturday.   
He stated that no country in the world has an accepted methodology to monitor the flying of drones but in case of Sri Lanka a proper mechanism should be implemented soon or else the freedom to fly drones could lead to serious consequences. .   
“ Air Force helicopters should be equipped with technical apparatus to communicate with foreign air forces and that the Air Force and the Navy have to carry out continuous marine surveillance to prevent drug smuggling , unlawful emigrants and poachers in the Sri Lankan waters, since Sri Lanka is an island” he said   
He further said the air force received modern aircraft with advanced technology from the United State and Australia that are now being used to identify drug smuggling vessels.