The government has launched a comprehensive recruitment programme aimed at appointing over 120,000 individuals to the state service in 2026, Minister of Public Administration Chandana Abeyratne announced. Speaking to reporters, the Minister stated that the extensive intake is structured to address existing vacancies across essential state sectors, particularly in education, health, and agriculture.
As part of the initiative, approximately 30,000 teachers are slated for recruitment. The relevant competitive examination for teaching candidates will be conducted shortly, followed by formal interviews for those who qualify. Minister Abeyratne assured that all necessary groundwork and preparations for the teacher selection process are already in place.
Progress is also being made on administrative recruitments, with the selection process for more than 1,500 Grama Niladhari officers entering its final stages. Authorities have completed the required examinations and interviews for these posts and are currently preparing to issue formal appointment letters to the successful applicants. Further recruitment drives are scheduled to address staffing shortages in key fields, including the health and agriculture sectors.
Key Developments
- Massive Intake Planned: Measures are underway to recruit more than 120,000 people into the state service throughout 2026.
- Major Expansion in Education: Around 30,000 teachers will be hired via an upcoming competitive examination and interview process.
- Final Phase for Grama Niladhari Officers: Over 1,500 Grama Niladhari positions are near completion, with appointment letters set to be issued following completed exams and interviews.
- Sector-Wide Recruitment: Additional placements are targeted for critical public departments, including health and agriculture.
- Comparison to Previous Intake: The 2026 targets mark a significant step up from 2025, when nearly 35,000 graduates and eligible youth joined the public sector.
The ambitious recruitment plan follows a smaller intake in 2025, during which nearly 35,000 individuals—including graduates and other qualified youth—were integrated into the public workforce. The current drive to place more than 120,000 personnel forms a key pillar of the government’s broader strategy to systematically clear public service vacancies and streamline state administration.