National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB) Job Vacancies 2026

The National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB), operating under the purview of the Ministry of Defence, has officially announced new job vacancies for various technical, administrative, operational, and medical positions.

Working with the NDDCB offers Sri Lankan citizens a unique opportunity to contribute directly to national security, public health, and social welfare by combating drug abuse and facilitating rehabilitation across the island. Below is an exhaustive guide covering everything you need to know about these vacancies, eligibility criteria, benefits, application steps, and organizational background to help you submit a successful application.

About the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB)

The National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB) is the national pioneer statutory body in Sri Lanka charged with the prevention, control, treatment, and research of dangerous drugs.

Historical Overview & Establishment

* Enacting Legislation: Established under the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board Act No. 11 of 1984.

* Official Commencement: Commenced official operations on April 9, 1984.

* Parent Institution: Functions under the Ministry of Defence, working in close collaboration with the Sri Lanka Police, Department of Excise, Sri Lanka Customs, and international counter-narcotics organizations like the UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime).

Core Objectives & National Mandate

1. Drug Prevention and Public Awareness: Formulating national policies, educational programs, and community campaigns to prevent substance abuse among youth and vulnerable populations.

2. Treatment and Rehabilitation: Operating specialized rehabilitation centers across Sri Lanka to provide medical care, psychological counseling, and vocational training to individuals recovering from drug addiction.

3. Scientific & Epidemiological Research: Conducting scientific studies, forensic lab testing, and statistical analysis on drug trends, illegal substance imports, and treatment success rates.

4. Law Enforcement Support: Providing forensic laboratory support and expert advice to national security agencies for drug identification and legal proceedings.

By joining the NDDCB, employees become part of a dedicated public service dedicated to creating a drug-free Sri Lanka.

Job Details & Comprehensive Role Breakdown

The latest recruitment drive includes multiple categories ranging from administrative support and medical services to technical maintenance and scientific research. Below is a detailed breakdown of the available roles and their key operational responsibilities within the organization.

Detailed Overview of Individual Positions

1. Driver (Transport & Logistics Division)

Drivers at NDDCB are responsible for operating official light and heavy vehicles. They assist in transporting administrative staff, field officers during awareness raids, and patients traveling to treatment centers. Regular maintenance checks, logbook entry updating, and strict adherence to Sri Lankan motor traffic laws are essential functions of this role.

2. Management Assistant (MA - Non-Technical)

Management Assistants form the administrative backbone of the NDDCB. Key duties include managing correspondence, maintaining personal and official files, handling public inquiries, assisting with financial ledger entries, and supporting high-level administrative meetings. Proficiency in computer applications and official languages (Sinhala/Tamil/English) is crucial.

3. Library Assistant

The Library Assistant manages the specialized drug prevention library and documentation center. Responsibilities include organizing research materials, cataloging books and international journals, maintaining digital archives, and assisting researchers, students, and officers in retrieving vital scientific literature regarding drug dependency.

4. Office Assistant (Primary Level Services)

Office Assistants ensure the day-to-day functional operations of NDDCB regional offices and headquarters. Responsibilities include distributing intra-office memos, handling incoming and outgoing mail, maintaining clean working spaces, preparing meeting rooms, and assisting officers with administrative errands.

5. Nurse (Treatment, Rehabilitation, and Care Services)

Nurses play a critical role in the human aspect of NDDCB's work. Stationed primarily in treatment and rehabilitation centers (such as those in Sethsevana, Mithsevana, etc.), nurses assess patient health, administer prescribed detoxification medication, monitor withdrawal symptoms, and assist medical officers during emergency medical situations.

6. Laboratory Technician (National Forensic Laboratory)

Laboratory Technicians work in high-tech laboratories analyzing suspected narcotic samples seized by law enforcement agencies. Duties include preparing chemical reagents, operating specialized equipment (e.g., Gas Chromatography, Mass Spectrometry), keeping rigorous chain-of-custody logs, and maintaining laboratory safety protocols.

7. Motor Technician / Mechanic

Motor Technicians handle the technical maintenance of NDDCB's vehicular fleet. They execute routine services, engine repairs, brake overhauls, and electrical troubleshooting to ensure that operational vehicles remain roadworthy and ready for immediate deployment.

8. Information Technology (IT) Assistant

IT Assistants maintain the hardware, network infrastructure, and internal databases of the board. Responsibilities include troubleshooting desktop computers, managing local area networks (LAN), protecting corporate data, updating web content, and assisting non-technical staff with software tools.

9. Research Assistant

Research Assistants contribute directly to national policy-making. They assist senior scientists and sociologists by gathering primary data from the field, preparing questionnaires, analyzing drug abuse statistics, preparing technical research publications, and monitoring national rehabilitation outcomes.

Requirements and Qualifications

To maintain high standards of public service, applicants must meet specific age, educational, professional, and health criteria outlined by the Public Service Commission and government recruitment guidelines.

General Eligibility Criteria

* Nationality: Must be a citizen of Sri Lanka.

* Character: Must possess excellent moral character and a clean record with no criminal convictions.

* Age Limit: Generally below 40 years of age as of the closing date of applications. (Standard age relaxation rules apply to existing permanent public sector employees as per government circulars).

* Health: Must be physically and mentally fit to discharge the duties associated with the relevant position.

Minimum Educational & Professional Qualifications

1. Driver:

* Passed G.C.E. Ordinary Level (O/L) in at least 6 subjects.

* Valid Sri Lankan driving license for light and/or heavy vehicles (minimum 3 years of active driving experience).

* Practical knowledge of basic vehicle mechanics.

2. Management Assistant (MA):

* Passed G.C.E. Ordinary Level (O/L) in 6 subjects with credit passes in Sinhala/Tamil, English, and Mathematics in a single sitting.

* Passed G.C.E. Advanced Level (A/L) in 3 subjects.

* Certificate/Diploma in Computer Applications (MS Office, Word, Excel, Internet/Email).

3. Library Assistant:

* Passed G.C.E. (A/L) in any stream.

* Certificate or Diploma in Library and Information Science (SLA/NIVTQ or recognized university).

* Computer literacy and familiarity with digital library catalog systems.

4. Office Assistant:

* Passed G.C.E. Ordinary Level (O/L) examination.

* Good physical fitness and willingness to perform field and administrative support tasks.

5. Nurse:

* Certificate or Diploma/Degree in Nursing recognized by the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) or the Ministry of Health.

* Registered with the SLMC as a Nurse.

* Prior experience in psychiatric nursing or addiction rehabilitation is highly advantageous.

6. Laboratory Technician:

* Passed G.C.E. (A/L) in the Science Stream (Chemistry, Physics, Biology).

* National Diploma in Technology (NDT), MLT registration, or recognized Diploma in Laboratory Technology.

* Practical experience operating scientific laboratory instruments.

7. Motor Technician:

* Completion of NVQ Level 4 or higher in Automobile Technology / Motor Mechanism from recognized vocational institutes (e.g., VTA, NAITA, CGTTI).

* Minimum 2 years of relevant hands-on mechanical experience.

8. Information Technology Assistant:

* Passed G.C.E. (A/L).

* NVQ Level 4 / Diploma in Information Technology, Software Engineering, or Hardware & Networking from a recognized institution.

* Strong problem-solving skills in network setup and hardware maintenance.

9. Research Assistant:

* Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Sociology, Criminology, Chemistry, Psychology, Statistics, or related discipline from a university recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC).

* Sound knowledge of research methodology, SPSS/statistical software, and technical report writing.

Job Benefits & Remuneration

Careers in government organizations like the NDDCB provide stability, professional growth, and financial security. Key benefits include:

* Job Security & Stability: Permanent and pensionable/contributory service structures governed by official state policies, protecting employees against market volatility.

* Attractive Salary Package: Basic salary supplemented by approved government allowances, cost-of-living allowances, and specialized functional allowances depending on the designation.

* Medical & Insurance Coverage: Comprehensive medical benefits, health insurance schemes (e.g., Agrahara Insurance), and access to medical consultations for employees and immediate family members.

* Retirement & Pension Facilities: Long-term financial benefits including government pension eligibility or EPF/ETF (Employees' Provident Fund / Employees' Trust Fund) contributions as applicable to the category of recruitment.

* Paid Leave & Leave Encashment: Annual, casual, medical, and duty leave privileges as dictated by the Shop and Office Act and Sri Lankan Public Administration Circulars.

* Healthy Work Environment: Standard full-time working hours with fixed schedules, professional equipment, team support, and training opportunities both locally and internationally.

* Housing & Transport Support: Vehicle/transportation allowances or dedicated transit facilities for specific roles, along with eligibility for concessional government housing loans.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Application Guide

Interested candidates who meet the qualifications must submit their applications strictly in accordance with the official Gazette notice or public advertisement.

Step 1: Preparing the Application Document

Draft your application according to the prescribed format published in the official announcement. If no specific form is provided, structure your CV cleanly including:

1. Full Name (with initials)

2. National Identity Card (NIC) Number

3. Permanent Address and Phone/Email details

4. Date of Birth and Age on closing date

5. Educational Qualifications (O/L and A/L results with year and index number)

6. Professional Qualifications and Work Experience

7. Names and contact details of two non-related referees

Step 2: Attaching Required Copies

Attach certified copies (NOT originals) of the following documents:

* Birth Certificate

* National Identity Card (NIC)

* Educational certificates (O/L, A/L certificates)

* Professional certificates, diplomas, or degree transcripts

* Work experience certificates and service letters

* Valid Driving License / Professional Registration (if applicable to the job)

Step 3: Envelope Marking & Submission

* Place the completed application and certified copies into a clean envelope.

* In the top left-hand corner of the envelope, write the exact Job Title you are applying for (e.g., *"APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF MANAGEMENT ASSISTANT"*).

* Send the application by registered post to the official address of the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board, Colombo, Sri Lanka, before the specified closing date.

*Note: Applicants currently working in Government Departments or State Corporations must forward their applications through their respective Heads of Institutions.*

Tips for Preparing for the NDDCB Interview & Written Test

1. Study the Subject Matter: Candidates applying for specialized roles like Research Assistant or Nurse should brush up on current Sri Lankan laws regarding narcotics (such as the Poisons, Opium, and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance).

2. General Knowledge & Current Affairs: Prepare for general awareness questions regarding Sri Lanka's current drug prevention policies, health strategies, and national achievements.

3. Language & Computer Proficiency: MAs and IT Assistants should be ready for practical computer tests or typing assessments in English and Sinhala/Tamil.

4. Punctuality & Documentation: Ensure you carry all original certificates, letters, and your National Identity Card on the day of the interview or written examination.

Other Details

* Working Type: Full-Time (Standard Government Office / Shift-based for medical roles)

* Location: Head Office (Colombo) and various island-wide Regional Treatment Centers / Laboratories across Sri Lanka

* Selection Method: Structured written competitive examination followed by an oral interview conducted by an appointed interview panel.

Disclaimer

> Official Disclaimer: This article is published solely for general informational, educational, and guidance purposes for job seekers in Sri Lanka. We are not an official government agency, nor are we directly affiliated with the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB) or the Ministry of Defence.

> Application rules, salary scales, age limits, and closing dates are determined solely by the recruiting authority. Applicants are strongly advised to verify all recruitment details, gazette notifications, official application forms, and submission instructions directly from the official NDDCB website ([www.nddcb.gov.lk](http://www.nddcb.gov.lk)) or the Sri Lanka Government Gazette before submitting any personal documents.