Vice Chancellor

Job Overview

The Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) is inviting applications from suitably qualified and experienced Sri Lankan citizens for the position of Vice-Chancellor. The Vice-Chancellor will provide academic leadership and oversee the management and general administration of the University.

Job Title: Vice-Chancellor
Organization: The Open University of Sri Lanka
Job Location: Colombo District, Sri Lanka
Employment Type: Full-Time
Job Category: Management, Teaching & Education, Government Jobs
Term of Office: Three years or until the appointee reaches 65 years of age, whichever occurs earlier
Closing Date: 08 September 2026 at 3.00 p.m.

Position Details

The Vice-Chancellor is the full-time Officer, Principal Executive Officer, Accounting Officer and academic head of the Open University of Sri Lanka.

The Vice-Chancellor also serves as an ex-officio member and Chairman of the Council and the Senate.

The successful candidate will be responsible for providing academic leadership, formulating and implementing management policies, maintaining transparency and accountability, and ensuring the effective administration of the University.

Company Overview

The Open University of Sri Lanka is a national higher education institution providing university education through open and distance learning.

The University is located at:

The Open University of Sri Lanka
Nawala
Nugegoda
Sri Lanka

Qualifications & Experience

The vacancy notice seeks a high-calibre person with a record of outstanding achievement, excellent communication skills and the ability to address the diverse interests of students and staff.

The applicant should demonstrate:

• A strong record of outstanding achievement.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to address the diverse interests and needs of students and staff.
• Understanding of the mission of the Open University.
• Commitment to the University’s obligations to the local community.
• Ability to provide effective academic leadership.
• Ability to formulate and implement streamlined management policies and general administration.

The advertisement does not specify a separate academic degree or professional qualification list in the vacancy notice. Candidates should therefore refer to the applicable University and UGC requirements when assessing their eligibility.

Key Responsibilities

The Vice-Chancellor will be responsible for:

• Providing academic leadership to the University.
• Formulating, introducing and implementing streamlined management policies.
• Overseeing the general administration of the University.
• Maintaining transparency and accountability in the management of University affairs.
• Implementing decisions of the University Council.
• Maintaining discipline within the University.
• Overseeing the general administration of the University.
• Promoting and maintaining academic excellence.
• Understanding and addressing the needs of students and staff.
• Supporting the University’s mission and obligations to the local community.
• Leading the University towards its strategic development objectives.
• Serving as Chairman of the Council and Senate in accordance with the relevant provisions.

Required Skills

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Exceptional leadership capabilities.
• Strong academic leadership skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic thinking and decision-making abilities.
• Strong management and administrative capabilities.
• Ability to maintain transparency and accountability.
• Ability to work effectively with students, academic staff and administrative staff.
• Understanding of higher education and university administration.
• Commitment to academic excellence.
• Ability to manage diverse stakeholder interests.
• Strong understanding of the mission and responsibilities of the Open University.

Salary & Benefits

The Vice-Chancellor is eligible to receive:

• The highest academic salary scale.
• Entertainment allowance of 15% of the salary.
• Other applicable allowances for the post.

The appointment will be made according to the applicable University Grants Commission and higher education regulations.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit their applications together with the following documents:

1. A complete curriculum vitae, including the applicant’s date of birth.
2. A personal statement of vision for the development of the Open University and a brief account of what the applicant proposes to achieve if appointed as Vice-Chancellor.
3. If the incumbent Vice-Chancellor is applying, a report highlighting accomplishments during the first period of office.
4. A letter from the employer indicating whether the applicant could be released if appointed, where the applicant is serving in the Public Service, Corporations, Statutory Bodies or Higher Educational Institutions other than the Open University of Sri Lanka.

Applications with relevant documents should be addressed to:

Mr. J.P. Wipularathna
Acting Registrar/Secretary to the Council
Office of the Registrar
The Open University of Sri Lanka
Nawala
Nugegoda
Sri Lanka

Applications should be sent by registered post or hand delivered to reach the above office on or before 3.00 p.m. on 08 September 2026.

A soft copy of the application documents and supporting documents in PDF format should also be submitted by email to:

registrar@ou.ac.lk

The envelope should be clearly marked “Post of Vice-Chancellor” on the top-left-hand corner.

Important Notes

• Applicants must be citizens of Sri Lanka.
• Applicants must be less than 63 years of age as at the closing date of applications.
• The Vice-Chancellor is appointed for a term of three years or until completing the age of 65 years, whichever occurs earlier, subject to the applicable provisions.
• Candidates will be evaluated and called for an interview at a Special Meeting of the Council.
• Candidates summoned for the Special Meeting of the Council must make a brief presentation of 10 to 15 minutes.
• In exceptional situations, a candidate who is unable to appear before the Special Meeting may be permitted to appear virtually with prior notice to the Secretary.
• No applications will be accepted after the closing date.
• Applications should include all required supporting documents.
• The application envelope must be marked “Post of Vice-Chancellor” on its top-left corner.
• Closing Date: 08 September 2026 at 3.00 p.m.

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