The Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies (ACCIMT) in Sri Lanka is facing allegations of negligence after failing to utilise an unmanned aircraft valued at Rs. 10.56 million, despite its purchase in 2016.
The drone was initially acquired to capture aerial photographs in support of archaeological exploration and excavation activities conducted by the Department of Archaeology. Although the necessary training and permissions for its operation were secured at the time, the expenditure has ultimately become idle, as the drone has remained unused for nearly six years since its acquisition, according to findings by the National Audit Office. Additionally, a further Rs. 110,320 was spent on operational preparations, the report revealed.
The audit highlighted that, subject to the Ministry of Defence’s approval for a maximum flight altitude of 150 metres, the drone could have been deployed as an alternative to satellite imagery across a range of development projects. However, the restriction of its maximum flying height to just 60 metres severely limited its operational capabilities for the intended purpose.
Moreover, the National Audit Office noted that when new regulations permitting a flight height of up to 122 metres were introduced in 2022, a software error rendered the drone’s flight planning system unusable, further obstructing its intended deployment.
The ACCIMT, which specialises in space technologies and applications—including remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)—supports a variety of projects through its technological capabilities. While the institute engages in common technological applications, it indirectly contributes to the mapping of archaeological sites through its expertise in geospatial data analysis and satellite imagery. Although there is no dedicated programme within the institute specifically for mapping archaeological sites, existing technologies can be effectively adapted for such purposes.
The drone is equipped with remote sensing and GIS technologies that are commonly used for diverse applications such as land use mapping, crop monitoring, and feasibility studies, including the early detection of tea blight. Furthermore, the institute’s GIS and remote sensing capabilities offer valuable tools for archaeologists, enabling the use of satellite images and aerial photography to identify potential archaeological sites, analyse terrain features, and monitor changes over time.
