Assistant Director

Assistant Director – Department of Archaeology

Job Overview

The Department of Archaeology, under the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, invites applications from qualified Sri Lankan citizens for the post of Assistant Director through the Open Competitive Examination – 2026. Successful candidates will be appointed to the Executive Service Category (SL-01-2025) in Grade III. Recruitment is based on a competitive written examination followed by a general interview.

Position Details

Job Title: Assistant Director

Organization: Department of Archaeology

Ministry: Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs

Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Job Category: Government Jobs, Executive Service

Vacancies: 08

Available Posts

• Assistant Director (Explorations and Documentations) – 01 Vacancy
• Assistant Director (Excavations) – 01 Vacancy
• Assistant Director (Epigraphy and Numismatics) – 01 Vacancy
• Assistant Director (Regional) – 05 Vacancies

Company Overview

The Department of Archaeology is the government authority responsible for preserving, protecting, researching, and promoting Sri Lanka’s archaeological heritage. The department manages archaeological sites, conducts excavations and documentation, conserves cultural assets, and contributes to the country’s historical and cultural development.

Educational Qualifications

Assistant Director (Explorations and Documentations)

Applicants should possess:

• A Special Degree in Archaeology obtained from a university recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC).

Assistant Director (Excavations)

Applicants should possess:

• A Special Degree in Archaeology obtained from a UGC-recognized university.

Assistant Director (Epigraphy and Numismatics)

Applicants should possess:

• A Special Degree in Archaeology obtained from a UGC-recognized university.

Assistant Director (Regional)

Applicants should possess one of the following:

• Degree in Engineering Technology with Archaeotechnology as a subject.
• Degree in Created Environment.
• Degree in Architecture.
• Special Degree in Archaeology from a UGC-recognized university.

The required degree should be awarded by:

• A Sri Lankan university established under an Act of Parliament.
• A foreign or state university recognized by the University Grants Commission.
• A university recognized under Section 25A of the Universities Act No. 16 of 1978.

Experience

• No prior work experience is specified.
• All required qualifications must be completed before the application closing date.

Age Limit

• Minimum Age: 21 years
• Maximum Age: 35 years as of the application closing date.
• Government officers serving in the Department of Archaeology with at least 5 years of confirmed satisfactory service may apply up to 45 years of age.

Key Responsibilities

Depending on the post appointed, duties may include:

• Conducting archaeological explorations and documentation.
• Supervising archaeological excavations.
• Researching epigraphy and numismatics.
• Managing regional archaeological conservation activities.
• Preserving archaeological monuments and cultural heritage.
• Implementing government archaeological policies and regulations.
• Supporting archaeological research, conservation, and public awareness programs.

Required Skills

• Strong analytical and research abilities.
• Knowledge of archaeology, cultural heritage, and conservation.
• Good report writing and documentation skills.
• Leadership and management capability.
• Communication and interpersonal skills.
• Decision-making and problem-solving ability.
• Ability to work anywhere in Sri Lanka.
• Good physical and mental fitness with excellent character.

Salary & Benefits

Salary Scale (SL-01-2025):

• Rs. 82,150 – 195,970

Additional benefits include:

• Permanent government appointment.
• Government allowances as applicable.
• Pensionable service.
• Career progression through Efficiency Bar examinations.
• Opportunities for professional development within the Executive Service.

Selection Process

Recruitment consists of:

1. Written Examination
   • General Question Paper
   • General Intelligence
   • Management Aptitude
2. General Interview (to verify qualifications and physical fitness)

Candidates must obtain at least 40% marks in each written paper to qualify for the interview. The examination will be conducted in Sinhala, Tamil, and English.

Application Process

Applicants should:

• Prepare the application according to the prescribed format.
• Submit the completed application by Registered Post.
• Clearly mark the top left corner of the envelope:

  “Open Competitive Examination for Making Recruitment to the Posts in the Executive Grade (SL-01) of the Department of Archaeology – 2026”

Send applications to:

Director General of Archaeology
Department of Archaeology
Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha
Colombo 07

Application Closing Date: 03 August 2026

Examination Fee

• Rs. 1,000
• Pay online to the account specified by the Department of Archaeology.
• Attach the payment receipt to the application.
• Examination fees are non-refundable.

Important Notes

• Applicants may apply for more than one Assistant Director post if they satisfy the qualifications and must indicate their order of preference in the application.
• Only one application may be submitted.
• Incomplete or late applications will be rejected.
• Admission cards will be issued only to eligible applicants.
• Candidates must produce a valid National Identity Card, Passport, or Driving Licence at the examination.
• Recruitment will be made according to the order of merit determined by the written examination results.

Source :

Download Job Details (Sinhala)

Download Job Details (English)

Application Form (Sinhala)

Application Form (English)