The Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education has introduced a new circular aimed at resolving long-standing salary concerns faced by officers of the Sri Lanka Principals’ Service.
According to the ministry, Circular No. 03/2014 (I) has been issued to formalize the initial salary placement of principals and address salary-related disparities that have affected the service for several years.
The changes were approved by the Cabinet of Ministers at its meeting held on May 11, 2026.
Salary Calculations to Be Treated as Promotions
Under the new circular, provisions contained in Section 01 and its sub-sections of the previous Circular No. 03/2014 have been revoked with immediate effect.
The revised framework introduces new provisions in line with the Establishments Code, allowing principals’ salaries to be calculated on the basis of a promotion.
Officials say this change is expected to address significant salary anomalies that have affected members of the Principals’ Service.
Relief Measures for Promotion Qualifications
In addition to the salary revisions, the ministry has also introduced measures to ease practical challenges faced by principals in meeting promotion requirements.
The initiative particularly targets officers who were recruited to Grade III of the Sri Lanka Principals’ Service on November 13, 2009, and aims to streamline their progression up to Grade I.
With the concurrence of the Public Service Commission, a special concessionary period has been granted to eligible officers.
As a result, affected principals will have until December 31, 2027, to fulfill the qualifications required for promotions within the service.
The ministry stated that the reforms are intended to provide greater administrative clarity while supporting career progression and addressing concerns raised by school principals over the years.
