The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the recruitment of 18,853 new personnel to the state service in an effort to combat unemployment and strengthen the public sector. This move is part of a broader initiative aimed at addressing the country’s high unemployment rates, particularly among graduates and youth.
Earlier, the Sri Lankan government had announced plans to recruit 30,000 graduates and young individuals to fill critical vacancies across government services. This initiative, included in the 2025 budget proposal, seeks to alleviate the employment crisis while enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of state institutions.
The recruitment drive was proposed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development. The government’s new policy focuses on ensuring that all state sector appointments are made based on qualifications and skills, rather than political influence, a move that has been widely welcomed in an effort to reduce corruption and improve transparency.
To support this recruitment initiative, Parliament has approved the allocation of Rs 10 billion from the 2025 budget. This funding will be used to cover the expenses associated with hiring new staff across various state departments and institutions.
A committee, led by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, was tasked with reviewing staffing needs across the government and making recommendations for essential recruitment. Based on the committee’s findings, the Cabinet of Ministers has now approved 18,853 new positions to be filled in the state sector.
The Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Governments has instructed the relevant authorities to take immediate steps to implement the recruitment process.
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