Legal Officer

Legal Officer – Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation

Job Overview

The Legal Officer – Grade III position under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation is a permanent Executive Service post in the Department of Animal Production and Health. Recruitment will be conducted on an open basis through an eligibility evaluation interview conducted by the Public Service Commission.

Position Details

Job Title: Legal Officer – Grade III

Organization: Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation

Department: Department of Animal Production and Health

Job Category: Legal

Employment Type: Full-Time (Permanent)

Job Location: Getambe, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

Organization Overview

The Department of Animal Production and Health, operating under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, is responsible for legal, regulatory, and administrative matters relating to animal production, livestock development, and veterinary services in Sri Lanka. The department is recruiting qualified legal professionals to strengthen its legal division.

Qualifications & Experience

Applicants must:

• Be a Sri Lankan citizen.
• Hold a Degree in Law from a University recognized by the University Grants Commission or be an Attorney-at-Law of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka.
• Have at least 3 years of active professional legal experience after being enrolled as an Attorney-at-Law.
  • OR possess 3 years of legal experience in a government institution after enrollment, covering legal matters such as:
    • Court cases and coordination with the Attorney General’s Department.
    • Legal agreements.
    • Acts and Ordinances.
    • Drafting bills, regulations and circulars.
    • Court procedures and statutory investigations.
• Be between 21 and 45 years of age as of the closing date.
• Be physically and mentally fit for service anywhere in Sri Lanka.
• Be of excellent character.

Key Responsibilities

The selected Legal Officer will be responsible for:

• Handling legal actions relating to departmental cases.
• Coordinating with the Attorney General’s Department.
• Preparing and reviewing legal agreements.
• Advising on Acts, Ordinances and relevant legislation.
• Drafting legal documents, bills, regulations and circulars.
• Assisting with statutory investigations and legal procedures.
• Providing legal advice on departmental matters.
• Performing other legal duties assigned by the department.

Required Skills

• Strong knowledge of Sri Lankan law and legal procedures.
• Legal drafting and documentation skills.
• Court litigation and case management experience.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of Information Technology.
• Good English proficiency will be an added advantage.
• Ability to work independently and maintain high professional standards.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary Scale (SL-1-2025):
  • Rs. 82,150 – 195,970 per month.
• Permanent and pensionable government position.
• Eligible for the Widows’ & Orphans’ Pension Scheme (W&OP).
• Career progression within the Executive Service.

Selection Process

Recruitment will be based on an Eligibility Evaluation Interview, considering:

• Additional educational qualifications.
• Additional professional qualifications.
• Additional legal experience.
• English language proficiency.
• Information Technology knowledge.
• Performance at the interview.

How to Apply

Applications should:

• Be prepared according to the specimen application provided in the Gazette.
• Be sent by registered post to:

Director General
Department of Animal Production & Health
P.O. Box 13
Getambe
Peradeniya

• Clearly mention “Application for the post of Legal Officer – Grade III” on the top left corner of the envelope.
• Applicants currently serving in Government, Provincial Government, or Semi-Government institutions must apply through the Head of their Institution.

Important Notes

• Closing Date: 10 July 2026
• Recruitment is conducted by the Public Service Commission.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
• Candidates must produce original certificates and certified copies at the interview.
• False information or failure to meet eligibility requirements will result in disqualification or dismissal if appointed.

Source :

Download Job Details (Sinhala)

Download Job Details (English)

Download Application Form (Sinhala)

Download Application Form (English)