Is drone photography allowed in Udawalawe?

No, drone photography is strictly forbidden anywhere inside the airspace of Udawalawe National Park.

The Sri Lankan Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) runs a full prohibition on civilian drones across all national parks, mostly to avoid severe fright and sudden panic, plus general behavioural disturbance among the animals, especially the elephant herds. If someone tries to fly a drone inside or right along the park boundaries, then confiscation will happen immediately, and big fines and legal proceedings could follow.