“Bank of Ceylon Paves the Way for Drone Technology in Sri Lankan  Agriculture” 

– Interview with Prof. Buddhi Marambe

Drones have revolutionised industries worldwide, from defense to logistics, and now, in Sri  Lanka, they are making a transformative impact in agriculture. With the support of the Bank  of Ceylon (BOC), drone technology is being introduced to optimize agricultural operations,  improve efficiency, and support sustainability efforts.

Professor Buddhi Marambe, an expert in climate-smart agriculture and food systems, has  been at the forefront of these efforts. With over 38 years of experience in academia and  research at the University of Peradeniya, he has contributed significantly to climate change  adaptation strategies and innovative agricultural practices in Sri Lanka.

In this interview, Professor Marambe shares insights on the evolution of drone technology  in the country, highlighting the Bank of Ceylon’s critical role in funding training programs for  drone pilots, enabling large-scale implementation, and supporting research into agricultural  and environmental applications. From precision farming to conservation efforts, drones are  proving to be a game-changer, and with BOC’s support, Sri Lanka is witnessing a shift toward  technology-driven, sustainable agriculture.

Following are the excerpts of the interview.

May I know how drone technology was introduced and developed in Sri Lanka? Also, what  role did the Bank of Ceylon play in supporting its early plans and growth?

Drone technology has been in use around the world for a long time, especially in developed  countries, where it has been used as an effective way to ensure precise application of inputs  in agriculture and other areas. It helps reduce the use of fertilizers, saves  water, and cuts down the time needed for different tasks. In agriculture, drones are also  used for monitoring.

There are two main types of drones used in agriculture: those for surveillance and those for  applying inputs. As for Sri Lanka, it is difficult to say exactly who introduced drone  technology. However, in 2014, there was an attempt to start a drone service operator in the  country. This initiative was launched as a subsidiary of a leading private company aiming to provide  drone-based services. But it lasted only a year, as people were not ready to adopt the  technology. There was little understanding of its benefits and drawbacks, and only a few  private-sector organizations were willing to invest in it. As a result, commercial operations  did not continue at that time.

The idea was brought back in 2020s, and this time, it moved forward with support from the  Skills Development Council, Kotelawala Defence University, and the private company  Kenilworth International. They decided to train drone operators, as handling drones  requires skill. Unlike simple remote-controlled vehicles, drones need careful and accurate  control, and not everyone can operate them properly.

A major step forward came when the Ministry of Agriculture and Kenilworth International  worked together in a public-private effort. Kenilworth International was able to secure an  investment—reported to be around 1 billion, through financial assistance from the  Bank of Ceylon. The involvement of BOC in helping bring new technology into agriculture  was important, as it allowed farmers and other stakeholders to use drones to improve  efficiency in applying inputs.

It is also worth mentioning that the technology to build drones is widely available, and many  small companies in Sri Lanka have started making their own drones for different uses.  However, the key factor is the software that operates them. This is why the partnership  between the Bank of Ceylon and Kenilworth International was useful; they invested in one  of the most advanced drone operating systems available today.

The drones used belong to the DJI T-series, a well-known brand recognized worldwide for its  accuracy and reliability. These drones are designed specifically for agricultural work,  ensuring that inputs are applied correctly and efficiently. The Bank of Ceylon’s support for  this project has allowed new technology to be introduced into agriculture, helping improve  the way work is carried out in the sector.

What is your view on how drones, with the support of the Bank of Ceylon, have  contributed to improving efficiency and productivity in paddy, tea, rubber cultivation, and  other plantation industries?

Right now, drones are being used on a larger scale, particularly in the paddy sector, though  they are also gaining traction in tea plantations.

Let me take paddy cultivation as an example. Currently, there are about 565 agrarian service  centers in the country. Of these, 64 have been selected to introduce drone services, where  trained operators from various institutes have been deployed to apply agricultural inputs in  farmers’ fields. This is a great step forward—a long-awaited practical implementation of  modern technology. Credit goes to the Bank of Ceylon for providing financial support and  placing trust in the private sector entity involved, as well as in the technology itself, with a  vision to improve agriculture in the country.

At present, these 64 agrarian service centers each have a trained drone pilot stationed there  with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture. Through an agreement with the Ministry, a  paid drone service is now available to farmers, particularly in paddy cultivation. Whenever  farmers request assistance in applying inputs, whether spraying or other applications, the  service is provided using this technology.

Here’s how it works: drone technology allows farmers to apply inputs with precision,  ensuring an even and accurate aerial distribution. This is especially useful for agrochemicals  such as pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. One of the biggest concerns in agriculture has  been the indiscriminate use of these chemicals. Whether or not all criticisms of farmers on

This issue is justified, there is no doubt that drones can address this problem by ensuring  optimal and measured application.

Another key benefit is the time saved. Traditionally, applying pesticides to an acre or a  hectare of land takes a significant amount of time. As the land area increases, so does the  time required. With drone technology, however, aerial spraying can be done quickly and  efficiently, allowing farmers to complete operations in a much shorter time while  maintaining accuracy.

Drones have the potential to apply herbicides and pesticides  only in selected areas where problems are detected. Using remote sensing or satellite data,  drones can identify infestations and apply chemicals only where needed. This would be a  major environmental benefit, as it minimizes unnecessary chemical use. However,  additional training is required for drone pilots before this function can be fully implemented  in agricultural operations.

Another important advantage relates to water conservation, which is particularly relevant  given the country’s limited fresh water resources. Traditionally, when a farmer applies  pesticides using a 16-liter knapsack sprayer, the recommended application rate is ten tanks  per acre, totaling 160 liters of water per acre. In contrast, drones require only 20 liters of  water to apply the same amount of pesticide over the same area. This results in a water  saving of 140 liters per acre, a significant reduction in water usage.

Currently, tests are being conducted at Mahailluppallama, at the Field Research and  Development Institute, and at the Rice Research and Development Institute in Bathalagoda.  These trials aim to determine the best and most precise methods for applying granular  fertilizers and for broadcasting seed paddy using drones.  Instead of relying on manual labor for seed broadcasting, aerial application is now being  tested.

These advantages highlight the potential of drone technology in agriculture. The Bank of  Ceylon has played a key role in supporting this initiative, which is undoubtedly shaping the  future of the sector.

In your collaboration with the Bank of Ceylon, how has their support contributed to the  advancement of drone technology, particularly in terms of pilot training and industry  applications?

Flying a  drone is not as simple as flying a kite. While anyone can technically lift a drone, proper  operation requires skill. There are trained drone pilots responsible for launching drones, and  my role has been to train them on how to use drones for agricultural applications.

The  investment provided by the bank helped fund these training programs. Without properly  trained drone pilots, it would not have been possible to implement this initiative effectively  in the field. This is a key reason why the Bank of Ceylon’s involvement has been so  important, it has supported the development of skilled professionals, ensuring that drone  technology is applied in agriculture with precision and efficiency.

In what ways have drones been used for surveying, security operations, and naval-based  activities, and what impact have they had?

Drones have been used for security operations and surveillance, though I am not an expert  in that area. However, I do know that they play a valuable role in supervision, particularly in  large-scale agricultural operations such as tea plantations. As I mentioned earlier, plantation  managers gain a significant advantage by using drones for monitoring activities in these vast  areas.

Drones can also be used for agricultural land assessments, identifying problem areas such as  nutrient deficiencies, pest infestations, weed growth, and diseases. This kind of surveillance  helps with follow-up actions, ensuring that issues are addressed quickly before they spread  across larger areas.

Another important benefit of drone surveillance is labor management. In tea plantations,  for example, drones can help monitor whether plucking is being done in the right fields, at  the correct time, and at the proper intervals. Some plantations also use drones to track  labor movement, ensuring that workers are where they need to be and that work is being  carried out efficiently.

These are just a few examples of how drones are being used for monitoring and security  purposes, demonstrating their potential to improve oversight and efficiency in large-scale  agricultural and security operations.

Drones have mostly been used for warfare around the world. However, in Sri Lanka, there  seems to be a shift toward using them for humanitarian purposes. What is your opinion  on this changing trend, Professor?

Yes, drones can be highly effective, provided they are used responsibly by knowledgeable  professionals. This is why, at present, there is no plan to sell drones directly to individuals.  Instead, trained professionals and skilled operators are using them to assist farmers and  other stakeholders through a service-based approach. This ensures that drone technology is  applied efficiently and safely without the risks associated with unregulated usage.

I don’t think a country like Sri Lanka can allow unrestricted ownership and use of drones, as  they could be misused for various activities. However, you raise an important point about  their role in humanitarian efforts. This is an area that should be further developed,  especially in situations where drones can help locate people in distress during natural  disasters.

Drones can play a crucial role in rescue operations, particularly when the armed forces and  emergency responders need to evacuate people from dangerous situations. Their ability to  conduct aerial surveillance and provide real-time data makes them invaluable tools for  disaster response and humanitarian aid. This is an aspect of drone technology that should  continue to expand, ensuring that it serves the people in times of need.

How effective have drones been in addressing the human-elephant conflict and  monitoring elephant populations? What challenges have been encountered?

There have been several efforts to use drones to warn people, particularly in rural areas,  about the migration pathways of wild animals—especially elephants. The goal has been to  raise awareness and alert communities about potential danger. However, one of the major  challenges we have encountered is that when small drones are flown near elephants, the  animals often lose their orientation. In many cases, this has led to unintended  consequences, making it clear that further research is needed.

There are two key aspects to consider. First, drones should effectively communicate real time information to people in vulnerable areas about the movement of wild animals.  Second, we need to determine whether the drones themselves may be disturbing the  animals due to the noise they produce. Elephants are highly sensitive to low-frequency  sounds, and drone operations could potentially distress them.

This is an area that requires further study. If drones are to be used as an early warning  system and as a tool to guide animals away from human settlements, they must be  deployed in a way that does not disorient or agitate the animals. Otherwise, the unintended  consequences could outweigh the benefits. Future research should focus on refining drone  technology to ensure it can be used effectively without negatively impacting wildlife.

How has the Bank of Ceylon supported drone-related projects and the development of  drone pilots? What impact has this had on the economy?

To assess the long-term impact, we need more time, as drones have only been used on a  relatively large scale for one season so far. However, there is already a clear need for more  skilled drone pilots to expand operations into other areas of Sri Lanka. The current financing  mechanism for training and deployment is managed by Kenilworth International, and I am  sure more partners will come on board in the future to help expand these efforts.

I would also like to acknowledge the role of Kenilworth International, partnership with BOC in  supporting universities. They have contributed significantly to the Faculty of Agriculture at  the University of Peradeniya, not necessarily in training drone pilots but in broader drone

operations. This investment has been valuable, despite some initial challenges in getting  people on board with the technology. Over time, it has proven to be a successful initiative  that adds value to the overall agricultural ecosystem and supports sustainable development  in the country.

As I mentioned earlier, drones offer multiple benefits in agricultural operations. They save  money, reduce the time required for input application, and ensure precision in their use.  From a climate change perspective, they also contribute to water conservation, which is  crucial in a country like Sri Lanka. These advantages highlight the importance of scaling up  drone operations across all agro ecological regions in the country.

The Bank of Ceylon can take pride in having played a key role in initiating this activity in  partnership with investors. Their financial support has helped introduce a technology that  not only enhances efficiency in agriculture but also contributes to long-term sustainability.