The Ministry of Public Administration has issued the 5th Amendment to the Sri Lanka Principals Service Minute through Gazette Extraordinary No. 2454/54, dated September 18, 20252454-54_E.
The amendments, issued under the authority of the Public Service Commission, bring significant changes to the recruitment process, promotions, efficiency bar examinations, and capacity-building requirements for principals across the country.
Key Amendments
- Terminology Change
The term “Class” has been replaced with “Grade” in official usage, affecting service categories from Grade I to Grade III. - Recruitment Process
Candidates can now apply for vacancies in three districts of their choice. Vacancies by district and medium (Sinhala/Tamil) will be published in advance. Based on written exam performance, twice the number of candidates per vacancy will be called for general interviews.
Importantly, all candidates who qualify for the general interview will also be allowed to face the structured interview. Recruitment will be strictly based on district-wise merit. - Service Obligations
Principals recruited to a specific district must serve a minimum of five years in that district before transfer eligibility. - Efficiency Bar Examinations
Two efficiency bars are specified:- EB I: Within 3 years of recruitment to Grade III – written examination.
- EB II: Within 3 years of promotion to Grade II – written examination.
Exams will test knowledge of the Establishments Code, school financial administration, and English proficiency.
- Promotions
- Promotion from Grade III to Grade II requires six years of satisfactory service and six salary increments.
- Promotion from Grade II to Grade I also requires six years of satisfactory service and six increments.
- Capacity Building
All principals must undergo two mandatory one-month training courses:- Course 1: Within six years of initial appointment.
- Course 2: Within six years of promotion to Grade II.
- Absorption of Officers
Existing principals will be absorbed into the new Grade structure based on their current class/grade positions, ensuring continuity of service.
Examination Medium
Efficiency Bar exams will be conducted in Sinhala, Tamil, and English. Officers with advanced English qualifications (degree-level or equivalent) will be exempted from the link language requirement.
