The Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government has issued Circular No. 18/2025, outlining the Annual Transfer Procedure for officers in the Sri Lanka Administrative Service (SLAS) for the year 2026. The new guidelines aim to streamline transfers, ensure equitable distribution of officers, and address service requirements across various government institutions.
Key Highlights of the Transfer Procedure:
- Compulsory Transfers:
Officers in Grades I, II, and III who have served in the same station for six years or more, or completed 12 years in a ministry, department, or provincial council, will be subject to mandatory transfers. Popular service stations, such as the Department of Customs and Inland Revenue, will enforce a maximum tenure of three years. - Transfer Committee:
A dedicated Annual Transfer Committee, chaired by the Additional Secretary of the Ministry, will oversee the process. The committee will review applications, prioritize service requirements, and ensure officers are not stationed in one place for extended periods. - Appeal Mechanism:
Officers dissatisfied with transfer proposals may submit written appeals to a review committee. However, appeals must be based on specific grounds, such as non-compliance with transfer policies or unmet requests. - Exemptions:
Transfers will not apply to officers in high-profile institutions like the Presidential Secretariat, Prime Minister’s Office, and other key commissions unless approved by their respective heads. - Special Considerations:
Officers nearing retirement (above 58 years) will not be transferred outside their district without consent, while spouses serving in nearby stations may receive priority for proximity-based transfers. - Strict Deadlines:
The transfer process follows a strict timeline, with applications due by August 15, 2025, and final orders issued by November 15, 2025. Transfers will take effect from January 1, 2026. - Compliance and Penalties:
Heads of departments must ensure accurate reporting of officer tenures. Non-compliance with transfer orders may result in disciplinary action, including vacation of post notices for officers who fail to report to new stations.
