The Government’s plan to recruit 75,000 new employees to the public service, as announced by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, will be implemented in phases and completed by next year, according to Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government Minister Chandana Abayarathna.

Abayarathna emphasised that recruitment would be gradual and structured, ensuring that it did not place an additional financial burden on the Government.

“We will be gradually recruiting and necessary allocations for salaries and other benefits will be looked at after considering the Government’s revenue and expenditure,” he said.

The move, outlined in the 2026 Budget, follows years of stagnation in public sector recruitment, which officials say has led to the paralysis of essential public services. 

A committee headed by the Prime Minister was appointed to review the recruitment process and determine the required cadre levels across the public sector.

Under the new plan, recruitment will prioritise essential service positions such as technical officers, law enforcement officers, and revenue officers, with appointments to be made through a formal and transparent system.

The Government has also pledged that all future recruitments, promotions, and other administrative activities will be conducted strictly according to prescribed examinations and service regulations, eliminating political influence and ensuring equal opportunity for qualified candidates.

In addition to the phased recruitment, the Government plans to regularise the employment status of approximately 9,800 public sector workers who are currently serving on temporary or contract appointments and receiving only minimum wages. 

Permanent appointments will be granted to those who have served for more than six months and who meet the required qualifications under Public Administration Circulars 25/2014 and 29/2019.

Minister Abayarathna said the phased approach would allow the Government to manage the recruitment efficiently while maintaining fiscal stability and improving public service delivery.

“This is not an ad hoc recruitment drive,” he noted. “It is a carefully planned, phased process designed to strengthen the public service without straining public finances.”