Official Language Policy Circular 2026 – Oral Competency Test for Public Officers
The Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government has issued Public Administration Circular Letter 01/2026 regarding the Implementation of Official Language Policy. This circular explains the oral competency test in the other official language, eligibility, application method, fee details, exam process and important instructions for public officers.
Official Language Policy Circular 2026
රාජ්ය නිලධාරීන් සඳහා රාජ්ය භාෂා ප්රතිපත්ති චක්රලේඛය 2026
அரசகரும மொழிக் கொள்கை சுற்றறிக்கை 2026
The Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government has issued Public Administration Circular Letter 01/2026 regarding the Implementation of Official Language Policy. This circular includes details on the oral competency test in the other official language for relevant public officers.
📌 Circular Name
Public Administration Circular Letter : 01/2026
Subject: Implementation of Official Language Policy
Date: 08.04.2026
✅ Who Can Apply?
Officers who have passed Sinhala / Tamil as a Second Language at the G.C.E. (O/L) Examination as the written qualification may apply for the oral competency test in the other official language.
🗣️ Test Structure
- Listening Skills Assessment
- Speaking Skills Assessment
- Only candidates who pass the listening test can sit for the speaking test
- Minimum 40% marks must be obtained separately for both parts
🌐 How to Apply?
- Applications must be submitted only through the Department of Official Languages website
- Applications can be submitted on any day of the year
- No gazette notification will be published for calling applications
- The application form is published in English and must be completed in English
📋 Important Conditions
- The relevant written qualification must be completed before applying
- Applicants must produce the relevant certificate when appearing for the listening test
- Applicants with special needs should mention this in the application form
- Applicants must apply for the level prescribed for their service level
💰 Examination Fees
Tertiary / Senior
Category I
Level I
Rs. 2000.00Secondary
Category II
Level II
Rs. 1500.00Primary
Category III
Level III
Rs. 1000.00🏦 Payment Details
Examination fee should be credited to Account No. 7041541 of the Commissioner General of Official Languages, Bank of Ceylon, Rajagiriya.
On the bank payment form, applicants should mention the NIC number and the words “Oral Exam” along with the name and address.
The computer-generated receipt number and date printed on the bank receipt should be entered in the online application form.
🧾 Bank Receipt Requirement
The bank receipt must be presented at the listening skills assessment test to confirm payment. Examination fees will not be refunded under any circumstances.
📅 Examination Schedule
- The examination is conducted twice every year
- Depending on the number of applications, it may be conducted more than twice a year
- Applicants will be informed of examination dates one month before each examination
📍 Examination Venue
Listening skills assessment tests for all levels will be conducted only at the Department of Official Languages, 341/7, Kotte Road, Rajagiriya.
Speaking skills assessment tests will be conducted at district/provincial level or at the Department of Official Languages depending on the number of applicants.
🪪 Accepted Identity Documents
- National Identity Card
- Valid Passport
- Valid Driving License
Candidates without valid identification will not be allowed to sit for the examination.
📢 Results & Final Decision
Examination results will be communicated to each candidate and will also be published on the Department of Official Languages website. The results will not be re-scrutinized.
☎️ Contact Details
Commissioner General of Official Languages: 0112888929
Ministry Telephone: 011-2693886
Fax: 011-2692158
Email: ad-2-est@pubad.gov.lk
