Overview
The Sri Lanka Administrative Service (SLAS) is Sri Lanka's premier civil service cadre, responsible for senior administrative and policy-implementation roles across government ministries, departments and divisional secretariats. Entry is through a highly competitive examination (the Limited/Open competitive examination for SLAS) administered by the Department of Examinations on behalf of the Ministry of Public Administration.
Who can apply
For the open competitive route, applicants generally need a university degree from a recognised university, must be Sri Lankan citizens, and must fall within the age range set out in the specific examination notice. A separate limited competitive route exists for serving public officers meeting defined service conditions.
Exam pattern
The examination generally has a written stage covering general knowledge, public administration and policy-relevant subjects, essay writing, and language ability, followed by a structured interview for candidates who pass the written stage.
Marking and results
Final merit ranking combines the written examination and interview scores; because SLAS is Sri Lanka's top generalist administrative cadre, competition for the limited number of posts available each cycle is intense.
How to apply
Applications are submitted following the procedure set out in the official examination notice (gazette notification) published by the Department of Examinations, within the application window stated in that notice.
After the exam
Candidates who pass all stages and are selected are appointed to the SLAS and posted to administrative roles across government, typically beginning in divisional or district-level positions before progressing to more senior postings over a career.
Preparation tips
Because the exam tests general knowledge, public administration and essay writing rather than one narrow technical subject, broad, sustained reading of Sri Lankan governance, public policy and current affairs, alongside structured essay-writing practice, is the standard long-term preparation approach.
What are the two routes into the Sri Lanka Administrative Service?
An open competitive examination for the general public holding a university degree, and a limited competitive examination for serving public officers meeting defined service conditions.
What does the SLAS written examination cover?
General knowledge, public administration and policy-relevant subjects, essay writing, and language ability.