The Ministry of Education, Higher Education & Vocational Education has issued Circular No. 06/2025, mandating English proficiency as a prerequisite for grade promotions and salary increments within the Sri Lanka Principal Service. The directive reinforces existing regulations under the New Service Minute (Gazette No. 1885/31, 2014) and introduces strict consequences for non-compliance.
Key Highlights of the Circular:
- Language Requirement:
- All principals must achieve English proficiency (Link Language) within three years of recruitment.
- Exemptions granted for officers with a credit pass or higher in G.C.E. O/L English (per PSC Circular No. 08/2020).
- Consequences for Non-Compliance:
- Salary increments will be temporarily suspended from the third year onward until proficiency is proven.
- Grade promotions (e.g., to Grade II) will be delayed by the duration of non-compliance.
- Exemptions:
- Officers absorbed under interim provisions (Gazette No. 2076/14, 2018) are exempt.
- Those meeting other qualifications but lacking English proficiency may still be considered for grade promotions.
- Legal Basis:
- The circular cites the 2014 Service Minute and 2020 PSC guidelines, emphasizing alignment with national education policies.
- Next Steps:
- Affected officers must:
- Submit proof of exemption (O/L English results) or
- Pass the Schedule D English Language Test.
| Circular in English | Click Here |
| Circular in Sinhala | Click Here |
| Circular in Tamil | Click Here |
