The central government body managing civil administration, public sector hr, and local governance across sri lanka.
FULL_TIME
Colombo
82800 LKR / MONTH
2026/09/25
The Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government has officially called applications for the Open and Limited Competitive Examinations to recruit qualified candidates to Grade III of the Management Service Officers’ Service (MSO). Closing Date: 25 September 2026
Management Service Officers Service (MSO) Grade III Vacancies 2026 | Overview
| Institution | Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government |
| Positions Available | Management Service Officer (MSO) – Grade III |
| Work Location | Islandwide / District-Based (Sri Lanka) |
| Salary Scale | MN 2-2025 (Rs. 48,470 – 10×1,330 – 8×1,630 – 17×2,170 – Rs. 82,800/-) |
| Exam Conducted By | Department of Examinations |
| Application Closing Date | 25 September 2026 (at 9:00 p.m.) |
Management Service Officer (MSO) – Grade III Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualifications
- Passed the G.C.E. Ordinary Level (O/L) examination in six (6) subjects in one sitting with credit passes for four (4) subjects, including Sinhala/Tamil, English, and Mathematics.
- Passed all subjects at the G.C.E. Advanced Level (A/L) examination in one sitting (excluding the Common General Test and General English).
Age Limit:
Must be between 18 and 30 years of age as of 25 September 2026 (born between 25 September 1996 and 25 September 2008).
Limited Competitive Examination Stream
- Target Group: Confirmed public service officers currently serving in permanent posts under lower salary scales (such as PL or MN 1-2025).
- Service Requirement: Completed at least five (5) years of active and satisfactory continuous service as of 25 September 2026.
- Educational Qualifications: G.C.E. O/L passes in not more than two sittings across at least six (6) subjects, including two credit passes (Language/Literature and Mathematics).
Examination Structure
The written examination comprises two papers:
- Language Proficiency: 100 marks (2½ hours)
- Aptitude Test: 100 marks (1 hour)
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Applications must be submitted strictly online (in English) through the Department of Examinations portal at www.doenets.lk under Online Applications – Recruitment Exams.
- Complete the form and submit it before the deadline of 25 September 2026.
Official Source & Application Links
Official Source: Government Gazette of Sri Lanka (28 August 2026)
Online Portal: Department of Examinations Portal
Browse Jobs By Education: O/L Jobs | A/L Jobs | Degree Jobs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the application fees?
The examination fee is Rs. 600/-, which must be paid online through the Department of Examinations portal.
Can I apply for more than one district?
No. Recruitment is carried out based on district population proportions, and applicants can only compete for vacancies in one selected district during online submission.
What is the application deadline?
The closing date for submitting online applications is 25 September 2026 at 9:00 p.m.
How are candidates selected for the MSO positions?
Selection is based on the results of a written competitive examination conducted by the Department of Examinations, followed by merit and the allocation of district-based quotas.
What are the subjects tested in the written exam?
The open examination consists of two papers: Language Proficiency (100 marks, 2½ hours) and an Aptitude Test (100 marks, 1 hour). Candidates must secure at least 40% for each subject and 50% of the total aggregate marks to pass.
Where can I apply online?
Applications must be submitted via the Department of Examinations official website (www.doenets.lk) under Online Applications – Recruitment Exams.
