Overview
Securing a permanent position within the higher education administration sector in Sri Lanka is a significant career milestone for many job seekers. The University Grants Commission (UGC), which serves as the apex body of the university system, has officially announced a career opening for a Management Assistant (Book Keeping) – Grade III within its secretariat office.
For candidates aiming for stable state sector employment with structured salary increments, pension schemes, and clear promotional paths, this recruitment drive offers an ideal opportunity. Breaking down the eligibility criteria, educational prerequisites, salary scale, and application procedure ensures that aspiring candidates can prepare their documentation correctly ahead of the closing date.
Role Overview and Designation
The advertised position falls under the administrative and financial management cadre of the UGC secretariat.
- Designation: Management Assistant (Book Keeping) – Grade III
- Institution: University Grants Commission (UGC)
- Sector: State Higher Education Administration
Core Qualifications and Educational Requirements
The UGC has established a clear set of academic and professional prerequisites that applicants must satisfy to be considered for the shortlist.
1. General Education Requirements
Applicants must have passed the G.C.E. Ordinary Level (O/L) examination in six (06) subjects at a single sitting, which must include:
- Sinhala Language / Tamil Language
- English Language / English Literature
- Mathematics
Additionally, candidates must have passed all subjects at the G.C.E. Advanced Level (A/L) examination (excluding the Common General Test).
2. Special Professional Qualifications
In addition to the basic school-level milestones, candidates must fulfill at least one of the following specialized criteria:
- Possession of a National Certificate in Accounting Technicians or an equivalent qualification obtained from the Sri Lanka Institute of Advanced Technological Education (SLIATE) or another recognized professional body under the Ministry of Skills Development and Vocational Training.
- Having passed the G.C.E. Advanced Level examination with a stream in Commerce.
3. Added Advantages for Selection
Preference will be given to candidates who possess:
- A recognized qualification in computer applications spanning a course duration of not less than six (06) months.
- A working knowledge of computer application usage spanning a period of two (02) years.
4. General Eligibility Criteria
- Citizenship: Must be a citizen of Sri Lanka.
- Age Limit: The age of the applicant should be not less than 18 years and not more than 30 years as of the closing date of applications.
- Character and Fitness: Candidates must be of good character and physically fit to discharge the duties of the post.
Salary Scale and Financial Benefits
Employment at the UGC comes with a structured public sector salary code and supplementary allowances:
- Salary Scale: U-MN 1 (III) — Rs. 49,475 – 17 $\times$ 540 – Rs. 58,655/= per month (along with other government-approved cost-of-living allowances).
- Provident Fund and Pension Schemes: Contributions to the Universities Provident Fund (UPF) involve deductions of 10% from the employee and 7% or 8% from the employer depending on scheme guidelines, alongside a 3% Employee Trust Fund (ETF) contribution paid by the employer.
- Gratuity: Paid in accordance with the provisions of the Payment of Gratuity Act No. 12 of 1983.
Selection and Recruitment Procedure
The recruitment process consists of a competitive evaluation framework:
- Written Examination (75% Marks): Covers language proficiency (Sinhala/Tamil/English), intelligence and general knowledge, computer literacy, and questions relevant to the subject field.
- Structured Interview (25% Marks): Shortlisted candidates from the written exam progress to a formal interview structure.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Submitting an application to a statutory body like the UGC requires precise adherence to administrative instructions.
- Application Format: Download the standardized application form via the “Career Opportunities” section on the UGC Official Website.
- Application Fee: Pay an application processing fee of Rs. 1,000/= to any branch of the Bank of Ceylon, credited to the University Grants Commission, Account No. 0002323287. Write “Post of MA (Book Keeping) Gr III” on the back of the bank deposit slip and securely attach the original slip to your application form.
- Document Compilation: Gather copies of your birth certificate, educational certificates (O/L and A/L), professional accounting certificates, computer qualification records, and experience letters.
- Envelope Labeling: Clearly write “Post of MA (Book Keeping) Gr III” on the top left-hand corner of the postal envelope.
- Submission Deadline: Send your duly perfected application along with certified copies of certificates via registered post to reach the destination on or before 14th September 2026.
Official Mailing Address
Applications must be addressed and sent to:
Deputy Secretary / Personnel Division,
University Grants Commission,
No. 20, Ward Place,
Colombo 07.
Note for Public Sector Employees: Candidates currently serving in government departments, state corporations, statutory boards, or higher educational institutions must route their applications through the heads of their respective institutions. Applications sent without departmental approval through the proper channel will be rejected.
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