The Ministry of Health has issued an extraordinary gazette to recruit 3,000 student nurses, marking the first phase of a plan to add 13,600 personnel to the nursing service between 2025 and 2029.

The recruitment is open to students who passed the G.C.E. Advanced Level examination in the science or mathematics streams in 2021, 2022, 2023 or 2024. 

Eligible applicants can submit applications through the official website of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, www.health.gov.lk, from May 29 to June 30. 

The ministry said qualified applicants will be selected after interviews. Training for the selected student nurses is expected to begin later this year. 

According to current health sector data, 43,553 nursing officers are serving in Sri Lanka’s state health system. To help address the shortage of health workers, the ministry recruited 3,441 Grade III nursing staff during the past two years. 

It also recently issued appointment letters to 515 B.Sc. Nursing graduates. Nearly 7,800 student nurses are currently undergoing professional training at nursing schools across the country. 

The Ministry of Health said the planned recruitment of 13,600 nursing personnel from 2025 to 2029 is being carried out under the guidance of Minister of Health Nalinda Jayatissa. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Police has announced that the closing date for applications to recruit Apprentice Police Constables, Women Police Constables, and Police Constable Drivers has been extended until June 1, 2026.

Recruitment is being conducted in line with Government Gazette Notification No. 2482 dated March 27, 2026, with applications accepted exclusively through the online system. 

The initial deadline was May 8, 2026, but according to Gazette Notification No. 2489 dated May 15, 2026, the closing date has now been extended.

Applicants facing difficulties in submitting online applications have been advised to contact the Police Apprentice Recruitment Division for assistance via the telephone numbers 071‑8591925, 011‑2505202, or 011‑2552953. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Police have cautioned the public against false information circulating on social media regarding the age limits for recruitment to the Police and the Special Task Force (STF).

Issuing a statement, the Police clarified that Gazette Notification No. 2482, issued on March 27, 2026, sets the age limit for Auxiliary Police Constables and Women Police Constables at 18 to 24 years, while the limit for Auxiliary Police Constable Drivers is 18 to 28 years. Applications must be submitted online, with the deadline closing on May 8, 2026.

The Police noted that misleading claims suggesting the age limit for all posts has been extended to 28 years are baseless.

They said that individuals responsible for spreading such false information have been identified, and investigations are underway.

Applicants are urged not to rely on social media rumours but to follow the qualifications outlined in the Gazette. Only those meeting the criteria should submit applications and attend interviews, they added. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the recruitment of 15,839 vacancies across ministries and provincial councils, following recommendations made by a committee appointed under the leadership of the Secretary to the Prime Minister to review the public service recruitment process.

The committee, established with Cabinet approval on 30 December 2024, was tasked with identifying needs, priorities, and timelines for essential recruitments. 

Requests submitted by ministries to fill vacancies in departments and institutions under their purview were reviewed at the committee meeting held on 12 February 2026.

Based on its recommendations, Cabinet approval was granted for the following recruitments:

1. Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education – 300
2. Ministry of Justice and National Integration – 67
3. Ministry of Defence – 9,794
4. Ministry of Industries and Enterprise Development – 112
5. Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development – 121
6. Ministry of Buddhist Affairs, Religious and Cultural Affairs – 02
7. Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs – 1,915
8. Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government – 66
9. Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation – 60
10. Ministry of Health and Mass Media – 776
11. Ministry of Science and Technology – 201
12. Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization and Development – 214
13. Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment – 15
14. Ministry of Environment – 213
15. Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports – 06
16. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism – 03
17. Ministry of Labour – 01
18. Ministry of Plantations and Community Infrastructure – 09
19. Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation – 339
20. Ministry of Power and Energy – 01
21. Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development – 50
22. Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply – 10
23. Central Provincial Council – 22
24. Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council – 236
25. Wayamba Provincial Council – 401
26. North Central Provincial Council – 66
27. Eastern Provincial Council – 282
28. Uva Provincial Council – 146
29. Northern Provincial Council – 411

This large‑scale recruitment drive is expected to strengthen staffing across critical ministries and provincial administrations, addressing long‑standing vacancies in the public service. (Newswire)

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Emirates Airlines, the largest airline in the Middle East, has announced recruitment for Cabin Crew, including in Sri Lanka. 

According to the airline, interested applicants are urged to apply online to be eligible for the Sri Lankan leg of the recruitment session.

The recruitment session will be held in Colombo from 09.00 am on 08 December 2025.

For more details, visit: https://www.emiratesgroupcareers.com/cabin-crew/ (Newswire)

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Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa says approval has been granted to recruit 72,000 new personnel into the public service, with individual departments currently carrying out the recruitment process.

Addressing the post-Cabinet media briefing held yesterday, the minister said of this total, 9,000 appointments have been allocated to the health sector, with 7,200 already completed and the remaining 1,800 scheduled to be recruited by the end of December.

He further noted that previous governments had made mass appointments to the public service without considering actual needs or vacancies, often driven by political motives.

“In some public institutions, you can trace when someone was appointed based on which minister was in office. We do not follow such practices. We do not make politically motivated appointments. Recruitment is based on existing vacancies and the country’s economic conditions,” he said. 

Minister Jayatissa added that digitalization efforts are also being considered in the recruitment process, with appointments made to essential services accordingly. “Recruitment is being carried out in a regulated manner aligned with retirement rates, which will gradually reduce the overall size of the public service,” he said. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Police has announced the recruitment for the posts of Sub-Inspector and Police Constable. 

According to the Police, a Gazette notification was issued, dated 20 June 2025, regarding the recruitment. 

As such, candidates have been instructed to send their applications addressed to No. 375, First Floor, Srī Sambuddhatva Jayanti Mawatha, Colombo 06.

The applications are required to be sent on or before 21 July 2025. (Newswire)

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SriLankan Airlines has launched a major recruitment drive in search of new cabin crew talent to represent its renowned frontline team, in line with the airline’s expansion plans amid growing passenger volumes and emerging markets.

According to the national carrier, the process began with a public advertisement that drew nearly 12,000 applications. 

Demonstrating its commitment to transparency in selection, the airline is now inviting shortlisted applicants to take part in the next phase of the recruitment drive, scheduled to take place from 20-23 May 2025 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in Colombo. 

At BMICH, each candidate will undergo a meticulous multi-stage screening process, including document verification such as qualification certificates, an image and presentation assessment and an aptitude interview conducted by a panel of experts. Candidates must successfully complete each stage to proceed to the next. Those who meet the criteria across all stages will be invited for a final, in-depth interview at the airline’s headquarters in Katunayake, after which the final selection will be made on who is cleared for takeoff. 

Susan Jacob, Group Head of Human Resources at SriLankan Airlines, commented on the talent acquisition process, stating, “We are seeking individuals who embody the spirit of Sri Lanka and are passionate about providing world-class service to our valued passengers. That’s why we follow a transparent and thorough recruitment and selection process, not just to ensure fairness to all hopeful applicants, but also to choose individuals who are truly cut out for the role. Being a cabin crew member remains an aspirational career for many young people, and while it certainly comes with its perks, it is also a demanding job with long hours, which is why each candidate is evaluated across a range of criteria to make sure they have the right attitude and skills to thrive.” 

Ravi Samarasinghe, Senior Manager Cabin Services of SriLankan Airlines, added, “Recruiting new cabin crew is crucial not just for achieving the airline’s strategic goals, but also for supporting the country’s growing tourism industry. Fresh talent helps us maintain the right number of trained personnel for smooth operations, while also bringing new ideas, diverse skills and a strong willingness to learn. It’s worth noting that this recruitment drive ultimately benefits both the airline and the broader economy.”

As Sri Lanka picks up pace as one of South Asia’s most sought-after holiday destinations, tourism arrivals are projected to grow by at least 30% this year. With travel demand on the rise, SriLankan Airlines is gearing up for a surge in passenger numbers. This makes it important for the airline to strengthen its cabin crew team, not only to uphold its award-winning service standards, but also to meet the regulatory minimum crew requirements for operating both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft. 

SriLankan Airlines’ cabin crew represents a proud cultural tradition that captures the essence of being Sri Lankan. They play a central role in making fellow Sri Lankans feel at home in the skies, while offering every foreign traveller their first experience of Sri Lankan warmth and hospitality. Made of tough stuff, to say the least, the airline’s crew wear many hats, from caregiver for the littlest travellers, to first responder, problem solver, customer service champion and brand ambassador. 

For more career opportunities with SriLankan Airlines, visit https://careers.srilankan.com/ (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) has refuted claims that personnel had been recruited to the Sri Lanka Army, without following the procedure of clearance.

Responding to a question raised by a reporter, the Deputy Defence Minister said that the armed forces have a procedure to follow for recruitment and that no person has been recruited bypassing the system.

Questioned on the involvement of military personnel in underworld activities, the Deputy Minister said military personnel are required to be officially discharged and that steps are being taken to arrest those who have gone on leave and not returned to service. 

He further said measures are being taken to address the issue of the misuse of firearms and the involvement of military personnel in underworld activities.

Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara assured there was no threat to national security, adding that measures have been taken to ensure public safety.

He made the remarks in response to questions raised by the media related to the recent courthouse shooting and other shooting incidents in Sri Lanka. (Newswire)

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A new International Finance Corporation (IFC) report reveals that Sri Lanka surpasses regional counterparts in recruiting women at the entry-level in the banking sector, with women comprising 46 per cent of new recruits. 

The report, supported by the Women in Work program—a partnership between IFC and the Australian government—also highlights Sri Lanka’s leadership in board-level gender diversity, with women holding 27 per cent of board positions, compared to 20 per cent in Nepal and 14 per cent in Bangladesh.

The pioneering report, Women’s Advancement in Banking in Emerging South Asian Countries, aims to optimize opportunities that enable women to advance to senior roles in the banking industry across South Asia. This multi-country study, among the first of its kind in the region, focuses on private-sector commercial banks in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, where women constitute 30 per cent of the banking workforce compared to the global average of 52 per cent.

Research conducted across seven leading private commercial banks in Sri Lanka, representing 41 per cent of the market share, forms the basis of insights on Sri Lanka.

While Sri Lanka’s banking industry is close to achieving parity in hiring women and is considerably ahead of other countries in terms of women’s share in the workforce, women’s progression does not match their career aspirations or progression rates for men. Representation drops from 40 per cent at entry-level to 27 per cent in middle management and further to 20 per cent in senior management roles.

“Investing in the potential of women leaders isn’t just about equality, it’s about unlocking the full spectrum of talent and driving sustainable growth–exactly what Sri Lanka needs for a resilient economic recovery,” said Imad N. Fakhoury, IFC’s Regional Director for South Asia. “Addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by female bankers requires comprehensive and collective action, rather than isolated interventions. We must tackle these barriers—whether policy, process, or culture–-related—in a targeted manner, creating an inclusive banking sector and driving greater economic growth.”

The report underlines how barriers such as lack of fair evaluations, sociocultural constraints and non-conducive work environments curtail women’s growth prospects in the Sri Lankan banking industry. While banks and policymakers have initiated several steps to improve women’s participation and career progression, stronger commitment from leadership is essential to create inclusive workplaces. The report reveals scepticism among many employees, including senior leaders and more than 50 per cent of middle managers, regarding the importance of female leadership for businesses to be competitive.

Previous research indicates that commercial banks with at least 15 per cent of women in senior management achieve up to 33 per cent higher return on equity. A growing body of evidence further links an increase in women’s representation in organizations to better performance on business metrics. 

“This comprehensive, data-based report is a strong starting point for the banking sector to improve long-term policies allowing women and men to achieve their potential. The sector – as well as other organizations – should take note of findings that show an increase in women’s representation in senior manager or higher roles delivers higher returns and stronger business outcomes,” said HE Paul Stephens, Australian High Commissioner for Sri Lanka.

The report also recommends targeted efforts in Sri Lanka to bolster women’s participation and advancement in commercial banking. These include establishing organizational commitment and accountability for gender diversity, building equitable and safe workplaces, and developing supportive ecosystems, networks, and professional development opportunities. These findings and recommendations aim to guide industry actors—C-suite leaders in commercial banks, policymakers, industry bodies, and investors—towards increasing women’s representation in leadership in the banking industry.

About IFC

IFC—a member of the World Bank—is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2023, the IFC committed a record $43.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of global compounding crises. For more information, visit www.ifc.org (Newswire)

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The Cabinet has approved the recruitment of 2,500 English Teachers mentoring in English medium under the ‘English for All’ Programme.

According to the government, although the approved number of teachers for teaching Ordinary-Level subjects in English is 4,441, there is a necessity for 6,500 teachers.

The government said in most of the schools teaching in English medium has been extended by planning the required activities in addition to the number of teachers engaged in the service according to a study performed with 765 schools. 

Accordingly, the Cabinet approved the proposal submitted jointly by the President and the Minister of Education to increase the number of approved teachers teaching English medium subjects.

The number of teachers teaching English medium subjects is to be increased to 6,500 to accomplish the teacher requirement by 1,000 within the year 2024 concerning the 765 schools where subjects are taught in English medium at present and to also recruit 2,500 teachers that teach in English medium. (Newswire)

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Opposition Leader MP Sajith Premadasa has requested the government to look into the failure to provide appointments to nearly 465 graduates.

Addressing the Parliament today (Mar 07), MP Premadasa said that nearly 60,000 graduates had received appointments from the government recently.

He said, however, 465 graduates had failed to receive appointments due to the faults of officials handling the process at the relevant government institutions.

Stating that the matter was previously raised in Parliament as well, MP Premadasa said that, however, steps have not been taken to address the issue. 

The Opposition Leader today requested Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena to address the matter as soon as possible. (NewsWire)

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Israel has agreed to recruit 2000 female caregivers from Sri Lanka for the year 2023, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment reported.

The Ministry said in a statement, that the assurance was given to the Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara by a special delegation from Israel visiting Sri Lanka. 

The delegation comprising Shiely Raisin Sason, director of Israel’s Population and Migration Institute and members Zindani Mary, Yaccow Kabilau, Margarita Gaorodnitsky among others met Minister Manusha Nanayakkara yesterday (16). 

During the meeting, the minister requested the delegation to provide more job opportunities to caregivers from Sri Lanka and in response, the delegation assured the Minister that their country will recruit 2000 female caregivers from Sri Lanka this year.

The delegation pointed out that according to the existing culture in Israel, women have more opportunities for patient care, and the number of opportunities for male caregivers is very limited, and accordingly, the delegation also requested the Minister to give priority to females when providing training in the caregiver sector in the future.

The delegation also pointed out the importance of accelerating the recruitment process for caregiver jobs. Accordingly, the Minister assured the delegation that only those who meet the relevant qualifications will be recruited for training. Here, the Israeli delegation informed the minister that Sri Lankan workers with English language proficiency, who have received professional training, will always get the opportunity for Israeli employment opportunities. The delegation said their country is ready to give opportunities to up to 8000 qualified workers on an annual basis.

Both parties pointed out the importance of recruiting workers through a transparent process. The minister pointed out that some private recruiters are acting like a mafia in the process of recruiting caregivers to work in Israel. The minister also clarified the facts about the allegations against some Sri Lankans in Israel regarding the recruitment process. The Minister also mentioned that there are allegations that some people are taking money for providing Israeli jobs.

The Minister also presented to the Israeli representatives the requests to open up the opportunities to hire caregivers for jobs in Israel by the private sector as well. Responding the delegation said that the process of recruiting caregivers should be carried out only with the intervention of the Foreign Employment Bureau.

The delegation from the Population and Migration Institution of Israel requested that any information regarding people who are taking money to provide caregiver jobs in Israel should be given to them to take necessary action. They also assured that the security and confidentiality of the persons giving such information will be fully protected. The delegation also assured that maximum action will be taken according to Israeli law against people who make money through the recruitment process.

The minister also mentioned that the safety of workers who leave for work abroad is always a high priority and added that there have been no allegations of harassment of workers who have left for work in Israel. The minister expressed his thanks to Israel in that regard.

In this discussion, the minister also asked the Israeli delegation that since there are many trained professionals in the country for jobs in the agricultural sector, it would be better if they were given an opportunity in that area as well. Here, the Israeli delegation stated that they are not able to open jobs in the agricultural sector at this time, and that necessary steps will be taken in the future. (NewsWire)

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The heads of labour recruitment agencies in Oman have requested Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara to take immediate steps to digitalize Sri Lanka’s foreign employment sector.

The Ministry of Foreign Employment stated that the request has been made in order to avoid procedural delays in the recruitment of Sri Lankan workers for jobs in Oman.

The Ministry said in a statement, that Minister Manusha Nanayakkara, who is on a four-day official visit to Oman, responding to the request made by the heads of labour recruitment agencies, assured them that immediate action will be taken in this regard.

Minister Manusha Nanayakkara met heads of labour recruitment agencies in Oman, to discuss matters related to the recruitment of workers from Sri Lanka for jobs in Oman.

The heads of labour recruitment agencies pointed out to the minister that some of them had to travel a long distance to come to the Embassy to get the approvals for the recruitment of workers, and a lot of time is wasted as a result.

At the same time, due to the shortage of officials in the Embassy, ​​they pointed out that they have to spend extra time obtaining approvals.

Responding to them, the minister said that the best way to minimize such hassle was to digitalize the field of foreign employment and added that this will be done as soon as possible.

In the meantime, it was also agreed to take the necessary steps to recruit domestic workers only after conducting an interview through video technology.

The problems that have arisen due to the bringing of female workers for domestic work in Oman through tourist visas and the solutions that can be given to the problems faced by the representatives of the organizations that recruit workers in Oman were also discussed at length. (NewsWire)

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The Department of Examinations has commenced accepting applications for the competitive examination pertaining to the recruitment of teachers for government and provincial schools, the Ministry of Education stated.

Issuing a statement, the Ministry stated that graduates below the age of 40 who are employed in the state sector are eligible to apply to sit for the competitive examination.

The Education Ministry further stated that this measure is being taken to primarily fill the shortage of teachers in the GCE Advanced Level classes and thereafter other vacancies in state schools. (NewsWire)

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