Sri Lanka Administrative Service (SLAS) Grade III Limited Competitive Examination 2026 – Gazette & Application Details
📢 Sri Lanka Administrative Service (SLAS) Grade III Limited Competitive Examination 2026 has been announced by the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government.
The examination is being conducted to fill 40 vacancies in Grade III of the Sri Lanka Administrative Service on a limited competitive basis. Applications are accepted online only through the official website of the Sri Lanka Department of Examinations.
⭐ Important: Eligible Sri Lankan citizens who meet the qualifications specified in the Gazette can apply for this examination.
📌 SLAS Grade III Examination 2026 – Quick Details
| 📋 Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 🏛️ Service | Sri Lanka Administrative Service |
| 🎖️ Grade | Grade III |
| 📝 Examination | Limited Competitive Examination – 2026 |
| 👥 Vacancies | 40 |
| 💰 Salary Scale | Rs. 82,150 – 195,970 |
| 💳 Examination Fee | Rs. 1,200 |
| 🖥️ Application Method | Online Only |
| 📅 Applications Open | 31 August 2026 – 9.00 a.m. |
| ⏰ Application Closing | 30 September 2026 – 9.00 p.m. |
| 🏙️ Examination District | Colombo |
| 📅 Expected Examination | December 2026 |
| 🌐 Application Website | Department of Examinations |
The Gazette specifies the salary scale as Rs. 82,150–10×2,400–8×2,940–17×3,900–195,970 (SL-1-2025), together with other allowances payable to government officers from time to time.
🎯 Number of Vacancies
The 2026 limited competitive examination is being conducted to fill:
🔵 40 Vacancies
The number of appointments and the effective date of appointments will be determined according to the orders of the Public Service Commission. The Commission has the authority to fill some or all of the available vacancies.
💰 SLAS Grade III Salary – 2026
Successful candidates appointed to Grade III of the Sri Lanka Administrative Service will receive the following monthly salary scale:
💵 Rs. 82,150 – 195,970
Salary Code: SL-1-2025
The scale is:
Rs. 82,150 – 10 × Rs. 2,400 – 8 × Rs. 2,940 – 17 × Rs. 3,900 – Rs. 195,970
Other allowances applicable to government officers may also be paid according to government regulations.
🎓 Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the qualifications specified in the Gazette.
Citizenship
Applicants must be:
- A citizen of Sri Lanka
- Of excellent character
- Physically and mentally fit to serve in any part of Sri Lanka.
🎓 Educational Qualification
Applicants must possess a degree awarded by:
- A foreign or state university recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC); or
- A university established by an Act of Parliament in Sri Lanka; or
- A degree recognized under Section 25A of the Universities Act No. 16 of 1978.
In addition, the applicant must satisfy the relevant government-service experience requirements specified in the Gazette.
👨💼 Service Experience
The Gazette provides two relevant routes based on government or provincial public service experience:
Route 1: At least 5 years of active and satisfactory service in the specified permanent, pensionable government/provincial government service or position covered by the relevant salary codes.
Route 2: At least 10 years of active and satisfactory service in the specified government/provincial government service or position.
Applicants should carefully check the complete Gazette before submitting an application because the experience and salary-code requirements are specific.
🎂 Age Limit
Applicants must be not more than 53 years of age on the date on which the qualifications are fulfilled.
According to the Gazette, only applicants born on or after 28 August 1973 are eligible under the stated age requirement.
Applicants must also satisfy the other requirements concerning confirmation in their relevant service or position and disciplinary status.
📝 Examination Structure
The written examination consists of four question papers.
📚 1. General Intelligence
- Marks: 100
- Minimum pass mark: 50
- Duration: 1½ hours
- Multiple-choice questions
This paper assesses analytical skills, logical understanding, interpretation, application of knowledge and the ability to reach conclusions.
🌏 2. Social, Economic & Political Background of Sri Lanka and Global Trends
- Marks: 100
- Minimum pass mark: 50
- Duration: 3 hours
The syllabus covers Sri Lankan and global social, economic, political, cultural, scientific and technological conditions, together with analytical, critical and creative thinking and strategic future-oriented skills.
🏛️ 3. Administrative Subject Study I
Related areas include:
- Establishments Code
- Public Service Commission procedural rules
- Financial Regulations
- Government-service practices
- Marks: 100
- Minimum pass mark: 50
- Duration: 3 hours
The paper assesses creative thinking and problem-solving ability using situations related to public service administration, the Establishments Code and Financial Regulations.
✍️ 4. Administrative Subject Study II
This paper focuses on:
- Creative skills
- Analytical skills
- Communication skills
- Analysis and presentation of information
- Understanding and summarizing complex passages and documents
- Marks: 100
- Minimum pass mark: 50
- Duration: 3 hours
Candidates are required to answer all questions.
📊 Written Examination Marks
| No. | Subject | Maximum Marks | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | General Intelligence | 100 | 50 |
| 2️⃣ | Sri Lankan Social, Economic & Political Background and Global Trends | 100 | 50 |
| 3️⃣ | Administrative Subject Study I | 100 | 50 |
| 4️⃣ | Administrative Subject Study II | 100 | 50 |
| 🎯 | Total | 400 | — |
Candidates must sit all four question papers.
🎤 Interview Process
The recruitment process includes:
1️⃣ General Interview
The General Interview is used to verify whether candidates have fulfilled the required qualifications and complied with the relevant eligibility restrictions.
The Public Service Commission appoints the interview board.
2️⃣ Structured Interview
The Structured Interview evaluates:
| Assessment Area | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|
| 👔 Management Skills | 10 |
| 🧭 Leadership Qualities | 5 |
| 💬 Communication Skills | 5 |
| 👤 Personality | 5 |
| Total | 25 |
Candidates must obtain at least 50% in each area to be considered under the stated procedure.
Final recruitment is based on merit according to the combined marks obtained in the written examination and structured interview.
💳 Examination Fee
The examination fee is:
💰 Rs. 1,200
The Gazette specifies the following payment methods:
- 💳 Any bank credit card
- 💳 Any bank debit card with internet payment facilities
- 🏦 Bank of Ceylon online banking / Flex App
- 🧾 Bank of Ceylon teller slip payment
Applicants must pay the full examination fee. Applications involving an incorrect fee payment may be rejected.
🖥️ How to Apply Online
Applications must be completed in English only.
The online application is available through the Sri Lanka Department of Examinations website under:
Our Services → Online Applications – Recruitment Exams / E.B. Exams
Applicants should download and carefully read the examination instructions before completing the online application.
📅 Application Period
🟢 Opening: 31 August 2026 at 9.00 a.m.
🔴 Closing: 30 September 2026 at 9.00 p.m.
Late or incomplete applications will be rejected according to the conditions in the Gazette.
⚠️ Important Application Instructions
Before submitting your application:
✅ Check all eligibility requirements carefully.
✅ Pay the correct examination fee.
✅ Complete the online application in English.
✅ Follow the official application instructions.
✅ Keep a copy of the completed application.
✅ Keep the examination-fee payment receipt.
✅ Check your examination admission card when it is issued.
The Department of Examinations will notify applicants regarding acceptance of their applications through SMS or email. Admission cards will also be issued online.
Documents Accepted for Identification
Candidates must prove their identity at the examination hall.
The Gazette recognizes the following documents:
- 🪪 National Identity Card
- 🛂 Valid Passport
- 🚗 Valid Sri Lankan Driving Licence
🌐 Examination Medium
The examination will be conducted in:
Sinhala
Tamil
English
Candidates must answer all question papers in the same language selected for the examination. The examination medium selected in the application cannot subsequently be changed.
📍 Examination Date & Location
According to the Gazette, the examination is expected to be conducted by the Commissioner General of Examinations in the Colombo District during December 2026, subject to the orders of the Public Service Commission.
The Commissioner General of Examinations has the authority to postpone or cancel the examination in accordance with the applicable Public Service Commission provisions.
📄 Download the Official Gazette
Applicants are strongly advised to read the complete official Gazette notification before applying. This article provides a convenient summary of the key information, but the official Gazette remains the authoritative source for eligibility, application, examination and recruitment conditions.
👉 Download the official PDF attached to this post and review all seven pages carefully before submitting your application.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How many vacancies are available for SLAS Grade III in 2026?
There are 40 vacancies announced for the limited competitive examination.
❓ What is the SLAS Grade III salary?
The salary scale is Rs. 82,150–195,970 (SL-1-2025), subject to the applicable salary increments and government allowances.
❓ What is the examination fee?
The examination fee is Rs. 1,200.
❓ What is the maximum age?
Applicants must be 53 years of age or below on the relevant qualification date. The Gazette specifies that applicants born on or after 28 August 1973 may apply under the age requirement.
❓ How many papers are in the written examination?
There are four written papers, each carrying 100 marks.
❓ Is the application online?
Yes. Applications are accepted online only through the Department of Examinations’ online application system.
❓ In which languages is the examination conducted?
The examination is conducted in Sinhala, Tamil and English. Candidates must use the same language for all papers.
🔔 Final Reminder
If you are planning to apply for the Sri Lanka Administrative Service Grade III Limited Competitive Examination 2026, make sure you check your eligibility and submit the online application before the deadline.
📅 Application Deadline: 30 September 2026 – 9.00 p.m.
💰 Examination Fee: Rs. 1,200
👥 Vacancies: 40
📝 Written Papers: 4
🎯 Maximum Written Marks: 400
📍 Expected Examination: December 2026 – Colombo District
Always refer to the official Gazette for the complete and legally applicable requirements.
📢 Gazette Advertisement – Sinhala Preview
Source – Gazette (2026.08.31)
