The Ministry of Education has officially called for applications to fill vacant National School Principal Vacancies 2026 – Ministry of Education across the island. The recruitment targets officers in Grade 1 of the Sri Lanka Principals’ Service (SLPS) to fill vacancies existing up to January 31, 2026.
According to the official notification, eligible officers are invited to submit their applications for the respective National Schools listed in the schedule (attached to the original circular).
Key Eligibility Criteria
- Grade Requirement: Applicants must be officers in Grade 1 of the Sri Lanka Principals’ Service.
- Note: Officers who have qualified for promotion to Grade 1 by the application closing date but have not yet received their promotion letters may also apply. However, they must produce the letter confirming their promotion to Grade 1 at the time of the interview.
- Age Limit: Applicants should not be over 58 years of age as of the application closing date.
- Exception: This age limit does not apply to officers currently serving as the Principal, Acting Principal, or performing duties in the post at the same National School where the vacancy exists.
- Acting Appointments: Specific regulations apply to officers currently serving in acting capacities appointed by the Public Service Commission or relevant provincial authorities.
Service Conditions
- Selected officers must serve a minimum of 3 years in the appointed post.
- Transfers will not be considered during this period without valid reasons acceptable to the Secretary.
- This 3-year condition does not apply to officers scheduled to retire before the completion of the term.
Application Process
- Format: Applications should be prepared on A4 paper according to the specimen provided with the circular.
- Submission: Completed applications must be sent via Registered Post.
- Deadline: Applications must reach the Ministry on or before January 23, 2026.
- Mailing Address: Applications should be addressed to the relevant authority as specified in the circular (typically the Secretary, Ministry of Education).
- Envelope Marking: The top left-hand corner of the envelope must be clearly marked: “National School Principal Vacancies – S.L.P.S. – I”.
| Notice | Sinhala | Tamil |
| Application | Sinhala | Tamil |
| School List | Sinhala | Tamil |
| Marking Scheme | Sinhala | Tamil |








