Government Job Vacancies 2026
Irrigation Department Engineering Assistant Grade III Job Vacancies 2026
Open Competitive Examination 2026 – 102 Engineering Assistant Vacancies
Application Status: Closed
The official application period ended on 20 July 2026 at 9.00 PM. Candidates can use the links below to check the official examination portal and related documents.
Irrigation Department Vacancies 2026 – Quick Details
| Post |
Engineering Assistant |
| Grade |
Grade III |
| Department |
Irrigation Department |
| Ministry |
Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation |
| Number of Vacancies |
102 |
| Application Method |
Online Only |
| Applications Opened |
22 June 2026 – 9.00 AM |
| Closing Date |
20 July 2026 – 9.00 PM |
| Age Limit |
18 – 30 Years |
| Exam Fee |
Rs. 1,200 |
| Exam Month |
October 2026 |
| Exam Location |
Colombo District |
Engineering Assistant Grade III Open Exam 2026
Applications were invited from qualified Sri Lankan citizens for the Open Competitive Examination for Recruitment to Grade III of the Engineering Assistants’ Service in the Irrigation Department under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation.
According to the official Gazette notification, 102 Engineering Assistant vacancies are expected to be filled through this recruitment examination. The competitive examination is scheduled to be conducted by the Commissioner General of Examinations in the Colombo District in October 2026.
Number of Vacancies
102
Engineering Assistant
Grade III – Irrigation Department
Salary Scale
Rs. 52,250 – Rs. 100,040
Salary Scale: Rs. 52,250 – 10 × 800 – 11 × 1,190 – 10 × 1,320 – 10 × 1,350 – Rs. 100,040
Salary Code: MN3-2025
Age Limit
Applicants should be within the following age limits as at the closing date of applications:
- Minimum Age: 18 Years
- Maximum Age: 30 Years
Educational Qualifications
G.C.E. Ordinary Level (O/L)
Applicants should have passed the G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination in six subjects at one sitting, including Credit passes in:
- Sinhala or Tamil
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Science
- One other subject
G.C.E. Advanced Level (A/L)
Applicants should also have passed the required A/L subjects at one sitting.
New Syllabus:
- Higher Mathematics or Combined Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
Applicants under the old syllabus should satisfy the relevant Physics, Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Chemistry requirements stated in the official Gazette.
Professional / Vocational Qualifications
Applicants must possess an appropriate NVQ Level 06 Civil Engineering / Irrigation Engineering qualification specified in the Gazette, such as one of the following:
- Diploma in Irrigation Engineering from the Irrigation Training Institute at Galgamuwa or Kotmale.
- National Diploma in Technology – Civil Engineering from the University of Moratuwa, Katubedda.
- Higher National Diploma in Engineering – Civil Engineering conducted by the Sri Lanka Institute of Advanced Technological Education.
- National Diploma in Engineering Sciences – Civil Engineering conducted by the Institute of Engineering Technology, Katunayake.
- Diploma in Technology – Civil Engineering conducted by the Open University of Sri Lanka.
- An equivalent qualification recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) or Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC).
Applicants who had completed the relevant course but had not received the certificate could also apply, subject to the conditions specified in the official Gazette regarding the effective date of the qualification.
Other Eligibility Requirements
- Applicant must be a citizen of Sri Lanka.
- Applicant should be of excellent moral character.
- Applicant should be physically and mentally fit to perform the duties of the post.
- Selected applicants should be able to serve in any part of Sri Lanka.
Nature of the Appointment
Permanent and Pensionable Government Appointment
The Engineering Assistant Grade III appointment is permanent and pensionable, subject to the applicable government policies and service regulations.
Main Duties of an Engineering Assistant
Selected Engineering Assistants will perform technical and field duties under the supervision of Irrigation Engineers. Duties may include:
- Surveying and levelling.
- Preparing civil engineering plans and designs.
- Quantity surveying and preparation of estimates.
- Supervision of construction, improvement and rehabilitation works.
- Quality control and preparation of procurement documents.
- Management of machinery, fuel, materials and stores at field sites.
- Other technical and field duties relating to irrigation projects.
Selection Method
Recruitment will be made based on the results of the written competitive examination and a general interview.
1. Written Examination
Candidates must obtain the required pass mark.
2. General Interview
Certificates and physical fitness will be checked.
No marks are awarded for the general interview. Selection is based on the merit order of the written examination, subject to verification of eligibility.
Written Examination Details
| Paper |
Duration |
Marks |
Pass |
| Intelligence Test – MCQ |
1 Hour |
100 |
40 |
The Intelligence Test is designed to assess candidates' logical thinking, analytical ability, decision-making ability and judgement.
The examination is available in Sinhala, Tamil and English. Candidates cannot change the selected examination medium after submitting the application.
Examination Fee
Examination Fee: Rs. 1,200
Applicants were required to pay the full examination fee using an approved payment method provided through the online application system.
Accepted Payment Methods
- Any Bank Credit Card
- Internet-enabled Bank Debit Card
- Bank of Ceylon Online Banking
- Any Bank of Ceylon Branch
How to Apply for Irrigation Department Engineering Assistant Vacancies 2026
Applications were accepted online only through the Department of Examinations recruitment examination portal.
- Read the official Gazette notification carefully.
- Read the online application instructions before starting the application.
- Visit the Department of Examinations Online Application Portal.
- Complete the online application in English.
- Check all personal and qualification details carefully.
- Pay the examination fee through the approved payment method.
- Keep the application confirmation / printed copy for future reference.
Important Notice
Applicants should always refer to the official Gazette, Department of Examinations portal and official instructions for final confirmation of eligibility, examination dates, admission details and any subsequent amendments.
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Frequently Asked Questions – Irrigation Department Engineering Assistant Exam 2026
How many Engineering Assistant vacancies are available?
The official Gazette indicates 102 Engineering Assistant Grade III vacancies.
What is the age limit?
Applicants should be between 18 and 30 years as at the closing date.
What is the salary for an Engineering Assistant?
The applicable MN3-2025 salary scale is Rs. 52,250 to Rs. 100,040.
What qualification is required?
Candidates need the specified G.C.E. O/L and A/L qualifications together with an appropriate recognized NVQ Level 06 Civil / Irrigation Engineering qualification.
What is the examination fee?
The examination fee stated in the Gazette is Rs. 1,200.
When will the examination be held?
The examination is scheduled to be held in the Colombo District in October 2026, subject to official changes.
Is the Engineering Assistant application still open?
The advertised application deadline was 20 July 2026 at 9.00 PM. Applicants should check the Department of Examinations portal for any subsequent official notice or reopening.
Irrigation Department Job Vacancies 2026: Engineering Assistant Grade III Open Competitive Examination 2026 for 102 vacancies in Sri Lanka. Find Engineering Assistant qualifications, NVQ Level 6 requirements, age limit, salary, examination fee, written exam details, Gazette notification, instructions and Department of Examinations online application information.