Engineering Assistant

Engineering Assistant – Irrigation Department

Job Overview

The Engineering Assistant – Grade III position is offered by the Irrigation Department under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation. Recruitment will be made through an Open Competitive Examination conducted by the Department of Examinations in October 2026 (Colombo District). A total of 102 vacancies are available.

Position Details

Job Title: Engineering Assistant – Grade III

Organization: Irrigation Department

Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation

Employment Type: Permanent Government Position

Grade: Grade III

Vacancies: 102

Examination Location: Colombo District

Exam Date: October 2026 (Tentative)

Organization Overview

The Irrigation Department is responsible for planning, construction, rehabilitation, operation and maintenance of Sri Lanka’s irrigation infrastructure, including reservoirs, canals, flood control schemes and water management projects. Engineering Assistants support civil engineering and irrigation development projects across the country.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering Assistants work under the supervision of Irrigation Engineers and are responsible for:

• Conducting preliminary field investigations.
• Surveying and leveling for irrigation and construction projects.
• Preparing engineering drawings and civil engineering designs.
• Quantity surveying, rate analysis and cost estimates.
• Preparing procurement documents and technical reports.
• Supervising construction works and quality control.
• Managing machinery, fuel, materials and stores.
• Supervising technical staff, field assistants and labourers.
• Supporting irrigation schemes, flood control and rehabilitation projects.
• Performing engineering duties under the Irrigation Ordinance and related Acts.

Educational Qualifications

Applicants must satisfy both educational and vocational qualifications.

G.C.E. (O/L)

Must have passed 6 subjects in one sitting, including Credit passes for:

• Sinhala/Tamil
• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• One additional subject

G.C.E. (A/L)

Must have passed in one sitting with:

Old Syllabus

• Physics
• Pure Mathematics
• Applied Mathematics
• Chemistry

OR

New Syllabus

• Combined/Higher Mathematics
• Physics
• Chemistry

Vocational Qualifications

Applicants should possess one of the following (NVQ Level 6 or equivalent):

• Diploma in Irrigation Engineering (Irrigation Training Institute – Galgamuwa/Kotmale)
• National Diploma in Technology (Civil Engineering) – University of Moratuwa
• Higher National Diploma in Engineering (Civil Engineering) – SLIATE
• National Diploma in Engineering Sciences (Civil Engineering) – Institute of Engineering Technology (Katunayake)
• Diploma in Technology (Civil Engineering) – Open University
• Any equivalent Civil Engineering qualification recognized by the UGC or TVEC (NVQ Level 6).

Age Limit

Applicants must be:

• Minimum: 18 years
• Maximum: 30 years

(as at the application closing date).

Salary & Benefits

Salary Scale (MN3-2025):

Rs. 52,250 – 100,040 per month.

Additional benefits include:

• Permanent and pensionable government service.
• Widows’ & Orphans’ Pension Scheme.
• Career progression through:
  • Grade III
  • Grade II
  • Grade I
  • Special Grade
• Six months of in-service training for directly recruited officers.

Selection Process

Recruitment consists of:

1. Open Competitive Examination
2. General Interview (certificate and eligibility verification only)

Written Examination

The examination assesses:

• Logical reasoning
• Analytical thinking
• Decision-making ability
• Judgment skills

Application Process

Applications must be submitted online only through the Department of Examinations website.

• Application Opening Date: 22 June 2026 – 9.00 a.m.
• Application Closing Date: 20 July 2026 – 9.00 p.m.
• Examination Fee: Rs. 1,200

Important Notes

• Applicants must be physically and mentally fit to serve anywhere in Sri Lanka.
• Candidates already serving in the Public or Provincial Public Service must submit a copy of the application to their Head of Institution.
• Admission cards will be issued online.
• The examination can be taken in Sinhala, Tamil or English, but the selected medium cannot be changed later.
• Providing false information will result in disqualification or dismissal from public service.

Source :

Download Job Details (Sinhala)

Download Job Details (English)