Recruitment of Graduates to the Field of Translation 2021

(Sinhala-English / Tamil-English / Sinhala-Tamil)

The professional translators play a vital role in the implementation of Official Languages Policy. Despite the number of job opportunities available in the field of translation, the country experiences a shortage of qualified professionals. In view of this situation, the Department of Official Languages has initiated a one-year full time professional course to award “the DOL Professional Qualification in Translation.”

Graduates with the following qualifications will be recruited as Graduate Trainees to the training programme based on the results of a written examination. Upon successful completion of the training programme, they will be recruited to the Government Translators’ Service.

Graduates will be selected for the following three categories.

1. Sinhala – English Language Category
2. Tamil – English Language Category
3. Sinhala – Tamil Language Category

Conditions for Recruitment:

1. Should be a citizen of Sri Lanka.
2. Should be of excellent moral conduct, and should possess a sound physical and mental health.
3. Should agree to serve in any part of the country.
4. Should be not less than 21 years and not more than 35 years as at the closing date for applications.
5. Should have completed all the educational and other qualifications by the closing date for applications.

Educational Qualifications:(i) Sinhala – English Language CategorySpecial Degree in Translation Studies from a university recognized by the University Grants Commission.

(ii) Tamil – English Language CategorySpecial Degree in Translation Studies from a university recognized by the University Grants Commission.

(iii) Sinhala – Tamil Language CategoryAny degree from a university recognized by the University Grants Commission.
and
Credit Pass for Sinhala/Tamil (First Language) at the G.C.E.(O/L) examination or at a similar examination.
and
Credit Pass for Sinhala/Tamil (Second Language) at the G.C.E.(O/L) examination or at a similar examination.
or
Diploma in Sinhala/Tamil (Second Language) or Diploma in Translation (Sinhala/Tamil Category).

Method of Selection:

Selection for the proposed one-year professional training programme will be based on the results of a written examination conducted by the Commissioner General of Official Languages and on a structured interview conducted for the verification of qualifications.

Conditions for recruitment:

The 25 candidates who secure the highest marks from among the candidates who obtain a minimum of 40% for each question paper in the respective language category will be selected. Accordingly, 75 graduates will be selected for the three language categories.

If any candidate refuses his/her opportunity, the next candidate on the priority list will be selected.

All the graduate trainees will be paid a monthly allowance in the one year period of the training.

Language category	Question paper	Content	Time	Total marks	Pass mark
Sinhala – Tamil	Translation –Sinhala to Tamil Translation – Tamil to Sinhala	From administrative, legal, scientific, technical and literary texts.	02 ½ hrs 02 ½ hrs	100 100	40 40
Sinhala – English	Translation -Sinhala to English Translation- English to Sinhala	02 ½ hrs 02 ½ hrs	100 100	40 40
Tamil -English	Translation – Tamil to English Translation- English to Tamil	02 ½ hrs 02 ½ hrs	100 100	40 40

 [Note: The use of hardcopies of dictionaries, glossaries at the written examination is permitted. The use of electronic devices and mobile phones is prohibited.]

Interview:

The interview will be held only for the purpose of verifying qualifications of the candidates, and therefore marks will not be given at the interview.  

Examination:

The examination will be held in September 2021 in Colombo.

The closing date for applications:

20^th August 2021.

Instructions for applying:

1. The applications should only be submitted online by logging into the official website of the Department of Official Languages.
2. Since the admission for the examination is issued only via e-mail, the candidate should enter the e-mail address accurately.
3. For the purpose of computerization, the online application should be completed only in English.
4. If you have any issue in completing the application or for any other enquiry in this regard please contact 011-2877231.