Open Competitive Exam for Map Technological Officer Posts 2025

The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation’s Survey Department has opened applications for an exciting opportunity to join the Sri Lanka Technological Service as a Map Technological Officer (Training Grade). This open competitive examination aims to fill 32 vacancies, offering a chance for qualified Sri Lankan citizens to contribute to the nation’s mapping and surveying efforts.

Key Details of the Recruitment

The Survey Department is seeking candidates for the role of Map Technological Officer, a position critical to producing thematic, topographical, and other maps, managing databases, and performing quality control, map revisions, and public-facing tasks like issuing plan copies. Successful candidates will undergo a two-year Higher Diploma in Cartography at the Institute of Surveying and Mapping in Diyatalawa, followed by appointment to Grade III of the Sri Lanka Technological Service.

Vacancies: 32 posts
Application Deadline: May 10, 2025
Examination Centers: Colombo, Diyatalawa, Anuradhapura
Medium of Examination: Sinhala, Tamil, or English

Salary and Career Progression

During the training period, candidates will receive a monthly allowance of Rs. 27,140 in the first year and Rs. 27,440 in the second year. Upon successful completion of training and appointment to Grade III, the salary scale starts at Rs. 31,040, progressing to Rs. 57,550. Further advancement to Grades II, I, and Special Grade offers salaries up to Rs. 68,425, as per the 2016 Public Administration Circular.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Educational Qualifications:
- G.C.E. (A/L) in Science, Mathematics, or Technology stream, with passes in Combined Mathematics and Physics in one sitting.
- G.C.E. (O/L) with six subjects passed in one sitting, including credit passes in Sinhala/Tamil/English, Science, Mathematics, and one additional subject.
Age: 18–30 years as of May 10, 2025.
Physical Fitness: Candidates must be physically and mentally fit to serve anywhere in Sri Lanka.
Citizenship: Must be a Sri Lankan citizen with excellent character.

Examination and Selection Process

The selection process includes a written examination with two papers:

Intelligence Test (1 hour, 100 marks, 40% pass mark) – Assesses rational thinking, analytical skills, and decision-making.
Subject-Related Technological Paper (2 hours, 100 marks, 40% pass mark) – Covers Mathematics (algebra, trigonometry, statistics), Physics (optics, mechanics), and introductory geography.

Candidates who pass the written exam will be invited for a general interview to verify qualifications. Those selected will enter the training grade and, upon passing the diploma, will be appointed to Grade III, subject to a three-year probation period.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted on the specimen form provided in the Gazette notification, using A4 paper. Key points for applicants:

Examination Fee: Rs. 800, payable at the Surveyor General’s Office in Colombo, District Survey Offices, or the Institute of Surveying and Mapping in Diyatalawa. The receipt must be attached to the application.
Submission: Send completed applications by registered post to the Surveyor General, Examination Branch, Survey Department, No. 150, Narahenpita, Colombo 05, by May 10, 2025.
Important Note: Envelopes must be marked “Recruitment to the Training Grade of the Post of Map Technological Officer – Open Basis.”

Applications that are incomplete, late, or do not meet the specified criteria will be rejected. Candidates are advised to keep photocopies of their application and payment receipt.

Service Conditions

Selected candidates must:

Serve anywhere in Sri Lanka as required.
Achieve proficiency in the official language (if not already proficient) during the probation period.
Obtain G.C.E. (O/L) credit-level proficiency in English within five years of Grade III appointment.
Sign an agreement to complete the two-year training and serve the department for six years post-training, backed by a Rs. 150,000 bond.

Why This Opportunity Matters

The role of Map Technological Officer is vital for maintaining accurate and up-to-date geographical data, supporting Sri Lanka’s development in agriculture, infrastructure, and land management. This position offers a stable, pensionable career with opportunities for growth within the Sri Lanka Technological Service.