Police to use drones for monitoring traffic congestion in Colombo

• In 2021, the police launched a similar initiative with the support of the Sri Lanka Air Force, aimed at using drones to monitor traffic violations

 By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya 

Sri Lanka Police will begin using drone cameras to monitor traffic congestion in Colombo and its surrounding suburbs.

Police spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa said that the operation will initially be implemented as a rehearsal project. The goal is to monitor traffic hotspots using drones and direct police officers to areas in need of intervention to alleviate congestion.

This initiative is being carried out under the instructions of the acting Inspector General of Police.

In 2021, the police launched a similar initiative with the support of the Sri Lanka Air Force, aimed at using drones to monitor traffic violations. The footage from these drones was also intended to assist in taking action against offenders.

However, this time, the operation will be carried out by the Traffic Division of the Sri Lanka Police using their own equipment, the spokesman said.