Sri Lanka Foreign Service Grade III Exam 2026 – 25 Vacancies, Online Application & Gazette
The Public Service Commission, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, has invited applications from eligible Sri Lankan citizens for recruitment to Grade III of the Sri Lanka Foreign Service in 2026.
According to the official Government Gazette dated 04 September 2026, the competitive examination will be conducted by the Commissioner General of Examinations on behalf of the Public Service Commission. The examination is scheduled to be held in Colombo in November 2026.
Sri Lanka Foreign Service Exam 2026 – Quick Details
| Service | Sri Lanka Foreign Service |
| Grade | Grade III |
| Recruitment Method | Open Competitive Examination |
| Number of Vacancies | 25 Vacancies |
| Gazette Date | 04 September 2026 |
| Applications Open | 07 September 2026 – 9.00 AM |
| Closing Date | 06 October 2026 – 9.00 PM |
| Examination | November 2026 |
| Exam Centre | Colombo |
| Application Method | Online |
| Examination Fee | Rs. 1,200/- |
Educational Qualifications
Applicants must possess one of the following recognized degree qualifications:
- A degree obtained from a foreign or state university recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC); or
- A degree awarded by a university established by an Act of Parliament of Sri Lanka; or
- A degree recognized under Section 25A of the Universities Act, No. 16 of 1978.
Other Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants should be citizens of Sri Lanka.
- Applicants must be of excellent character.
- Applicants should be physically and mentally fit to serve in Sri Lanka or any part of the world.
- A police report relating to the applicant must be submitted to the interview panel when called for interview.
- A person is not eligible to sit for this Sri Lanka Foreign Service examination on more than three occasions.
Age Limit
General Applicants: Must have attained the age of 22 years and must not have attained the age of 28 years on the closing date.
Eligible applicants should therefore have been born on or before 06 October 2004 and on or after 06 October 1998.
Public Service Candidates: Applicants already serving in the Public Service should not have attained 35 years on the closing date and must possess a satisfactory service record.
Salary Scale
The applicable salary scale is Rs. 82,150 – 10×2,400 – 8×2,940 – 17×3,900 – Rs. 195,970 under salary code SL-1-2025.
Nature of Appointment
- Permanent appointment
- Pensionable post
- Three-year probation period
- Selected officers must comply with the Sri Lanka Foreign Service Minute and applicable Public Service regulations.
Written Examination
The examination may be answered in Sinhala, Tamil or English. Candidates must sit all applicable papers in the language medium selected in the application, and the selected medium cannot subsequently be changed.
| Subject | Duration | Marks | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Paper | 3 Hours | 100 | 40 |
| World Affairs I | 3 Hours | 100 | 40 |
| World Affairs II | 3 Hours | 100 | 40 |
| Essay | 3 Hours | 100 | 40 |
| Précis | 30 Minutes | 50 | 25 |
| MCQ – IQ, General Knowledge & Current Affairs | 2 Hours 30 Minutes | 150 | 75 |
| Language Proficiency | 3 Hours | 100 | 40 |
MCQ Paper – What Will Be Tested?
The MCQ paper contains two sections:
- Intelligence Test: Assesses logical ability and analytical skills – 75 minutes.
- General Knowledge and Current Affairs: Covers political, economic and socio-cultural developments in Sri Lanka and internationally – 75 minutes.
Interview and Final Selection
Candidates must obtain the required minimum marks in all seven papers and reach the required aggregate cut-off. The aggregate required for consideration will not be less than 300 marks.
The number called for the eligibility assessment interview will not exceed five times the number of vacancies. The interview carries 100 marks.
Final selection will be made according to merit based on the aggregate marks obtained at the written examination and interview, subject to the number of vacancies available.
Examination Fee
The examination fee is Rs. 1,200/-. Payment must be made using one of the payment methods provided through the Department of Examinations online system.
- Bank credit card
- Bank debit card with internet transaction facility
- Bank of Ceylon Online Banking / Flex App
- Any Bank of Ceylon branch
How to Apply Online
- Read the official Gazette notification carefully.
- Download and read the official application instructions once released.
- Visit the Sri Lanka Department of Examinations online application portal.
- Complete the online examination application in English only.
- Enter all personal and educational details accurately.
- Pay the examination fee of Rs. 1,200/-.
- Submit the application before 06 October 2026 at 9.00 PM.
- Keep a copy of the submitted application and payment confirmation for future reference.
Official Gazette, Instructions & Online Application
Application Closing: 06 October 2026 at 9.00 PM
Important Advice for Applicants
Candidates are advised not to wait until the final day to submit the application. Check your degree qualification, age limit, personal details and other eligibility requirements carefully before submitting the online form.
Applicants should rely on the official Government Gazette and instructions issued by the Department of Examinations if there is any difference between third-party information and the official notice.
Sri Lanka Foreign Service Grade III 2026 – Summary
The Sri Lanka Foreign Service Grade III Open Competitive Examination 2026 provides an opportunity for eligible graduates to enter the Sri Lanka Foreign Service. There are 25 vacancies, and applications are accepted online through the Department of Examinations from 07 September to 06 October 2026.
Candidates should read the complete Gazette notification before applying because it contains detailed conditions relating to qualifications, age, examination subjects, interview assessment, payment procedures and recruitment.
