Irrigation Department Job Vacancies 2026 – 149 Sri Lanka Technological Service Grade III Jobs
Open Competitive Examination 2026 – Online Application, Gazette and Qualifications
Applications are invited from qualified Sri Lankan citizens for recruitment to Grade III and Training Grade posts in the Sri Lanka Technological Service of the Irrigation Department.
Job Overview
| Organization |
Irrigation Department |
| Service |
Sri Lanka Technological Service |
| Recruitment Grade |
Grade III / Training Grade |
| Total Vacancies |
149 Vacancies |
| Application Method |
Online Only |
| Applications Open |
27 July 2026 – 9.00 a.m. |
| Closing Date |
25 August 2026 – 9.00 p.m. |
| Expected Examination |
October 2026 in Colombo District |
| Examination Fee |
Rs. 1,200 |
Vacancy List
| No. |
Post |
Vacancies |
Recruitment Grade |
| 1 |
Draftsman |
91 |
Training Grade – One-year training |
| 2 |
Drilling Assistant |
06 |
Training Grade – Two-year training |
| 3 |
Research Assistant – General |
02 |
Training Grade – Two-year training |
| 4 |
Civil Engineering Materials Investigator |
13 |
Training Grade – Two-year training |
| 5 |
Soil Cartographer |
02 |
Training Grade – Two-year training |
| 6 |
Hydrological Assistant |
06 |
Training Grade – Two-year training |
| 7 |
Hydrological Field Assistant |
03 |
Training Grade – Two-year training |
| 8 |
Research Assistant – Engineering Materials |
03 |
Training Grade – Two-year training |
| 9 |
Soil Investigator |
10 |
Training Grade – Two-year training |
| 10 |
Research Assistant – Hydraulics |
03 |
Training Grade – Two-year training |
| 11 |
Mechanical Foreman |
10 |
Grade III with six-month workplace training |
| Total Vacancies |
149 |
|
Salary and Appointment
Training Grade: A monthly allowance will be paid according to Schedule VI of Public Administration Circular 10/2025(I).
Grade III Salary Scale: Rs. 52,250 – 10 × 800 – 11 × 1,190 – 10 × 1,320 – 10 × 1,350 – Rs. 100,040.
Salary Code: MN 3–2025.
Appointment: The Grade III appointment is permanent and pensionable, subject to future government policy decisions concerning the pension scheme. Grade III appointees will be subject to a three-year probation period.
Age Limit
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Maximum age: 30 years
- Applicants must have been born on or before 25 August 2008 and on or after 25 August 1996.
- Age will be calculated as at the closing date of applications.
General Educational Qualifications
G.C.E. Ordinary Level
Applicants must have passed six subjects in not more than two sittings, with credit passes in Sinhala, Tamil or English Language, Science, Mathematics and one other subject.
G.C.E. Advanced Level – Most Technical Posts
Applicants for the following posts must have passed three Science subjects at one sitting:
Applied Mathematics, Pure Mathematics or Combined Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics.
This requirement applies to Draftsman, Drilling Assistant, Civil Engineering Materials Investigator, Soil Cartographer, Hydrological Assistant, Hydrological Field Assistant, Research Assistant – Engineering Materials, Research Assistant – Hydraulics and Mechanical Foreman.
Research Assistant – General and Soil Investigator
Applicants must have passed Chemistry, Physics and one other Science or Mathematics subject at the G.C.E. Advanced Level examination in one sitting.
Additional Professional Qualifications
Draftsman
Applicants must have successfully completed a one-year full-time Draftsmanship training course at a technical college recognized by the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission.
Mechanical Foreman
Applicants must possess one of the recognized qualifications below:
- National Diploma in Technology awarded by the University of Moratuwa or Hardy Institute, Ampara;
- National Diploma in Engineering Sciences awarded by NAITA;
- Higher National Diploma in Engineering;
- Diploma in Technology awarded by the Open University of Sri Lanka;
- Successful completion of Part I of the Engineering Examination conducted by the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka;
- NVQ Level 6 qualification relevant to the field; or
- Another technical qualification officially accepted as equivalent.
Other Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a citizen of Sri Lanka.
- Must be of excellent character.
- Must be physically and mentally fit to serve anywhere in Sri Lanka.
- Selected applicants must be willing to work at field sites located in any part of the island.
- All required qualifications must have been completed by the closing date.
Recruitment Method
Recruitment will be based on the results of the written competitive examination and a general interview. Candidates will be called for the interview according to the merit order of the total marks obtained at the written examination.
The general interview will be conducted to verify certificates and physical fitness. No marks will be awarded for the interview.
Examination Structure
| Subject |
Duration |
Marks |
Pass Mark |
| Intelligence Test |
1 Hour |
100 |
40 |
| Subject-related Technical Test |
3 Hours |
100 |
40 |
The examination will be conducted in Sinhala and Tamil media. The selected examination medium cannot be changed later.
Examination Fee
The examination fee is Rs. 1,200. The full amount must be paid through one of the payment methods provided by the online application system.
- Any bank credit card;
- A debit card enabled for internet transactions;
- Bank of Ceylon online banking; or
- Any Bank of Ceylon branch.
Examination fees are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another examination. Applications with insufficient or excess fee payments may be rejected.
How to Apply Online
- Visit the Department of Examinations online application portal.
- Download and read the official recruitment instructions before completing the application.
- Complete the online application in the English language.
- Select the post or posts for which you wish to apply.
- An applicant may select a maximum of three posts and must indicate the order of preference.
- Pay the Rs. 1,200 examination fee using an approved payment method.
- Submit the application before 9.00 p.m. on 25 August 2026.
- Download and retain a printed copy of the submitted application and payment receipt.
- Keep the mobile number and email address used for registration active to receive application and admission-card notifications.
Government and Provincial Public Service employees: A copy of the application should be submitted to the head of the institution for inclusion in the personal file. A certified copy and service confirmation letter must be produced when called for the interview.
Daily Government Jobs and Examination Updates
Join our WhatsApp group to receive the latest vacancies, examinations, courses and application updates.
Join WhatsApp Group
Important Instructions
- Applications can only be submitted online.
- Incomplete applications may be rejected without notice.
- Changes made manually after printing the application will not be accepted.
- An admission card does not confirm that the applicant has satisfied the required qualifications.
- Candidates must have their signature on the admission card officially certified.
- Applicants should read the complete Gazette and official instructions before submitting the application.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many vacancies are available?
A total of 149 vacancies are available across 11 posts.
What is the closing date?
Online applications close at 9.00 p.m. on 25 August 2026.
Can an applicant apply for more than one post?
Yes. An applicant may select a maximum of three posts and must state the preferred order.
What is the examination fee?
The examination fee is Rs. 1,200.
Can applications be sent by post?
No. Applications are accepted through the online system only.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes. Applicants must verify their eligibility and read the official Gazette notification and recruitment instructions before applying.