Teaching Jobs in Sri Lanka 2025-2026 | Employments

Have you ever thought about what it would be like to teach in a country surrounded by turquoise seas and filled with cultural beauty? Sri Lanka is one of those places where education is respected, learning is valued, and teachers are seen as builders of the future.

This island nation, found in South Asia, is home to over 23 million people. Its capital city is Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, while Colombo serves as the country’s business and education center. The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) is the official currency, and the major languages spoken are Sinhala and Tamil, though English is commonly used in schools and professional settings.

Sri Lanka takes pride in its impressive literacy rate of over 90%, showing just how seriously education is taken at every level. From public schools to international academies, there’s a growing demand for both local and foreign teachers, especially those who can teach in English or handle specialized subjects.

In this guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about teaching jobs in Sri Lanka, including the types of teaching opportunities available, current job openings, requirements for foreign teachers , average salaries, and what life is like for educators living there. Whether you’re an experienced teacher or someone seeking a new teaching adventure abroad, this article will help you understand what to expect before making the move.

Current Teaching Vacancies

Looking for teaching opportunities in Sri Lanka? Here are some vacancies you can explore:

1. Universal College Lanka (UCL) (Sri Jayawardenepura): UCL is hiring a full time Mathematics Lecturer for their School of Computing. Ideal for those with a strong background in mathematics and higher education teaching.

2. Modern Learning Studio ( Colombo 4): Seeking Teachers & Creators to join their innovative team. If you’re passionate about creative teaching methods and content creation, this could be a great fit.

3. The British School in Colombo: Looking for a professionally qualified French Teacher to join their senior school team. Perfect for educators with expertise in French language instruction.

4. Telford International School (Galle): Hiring a Head of Science (Physics) to lead their science department. A leadership role suitable for experienced physics educators.

5. TEC Sri Lanka (Colombo, Kandy, Matara): Offering a Volunteer English Teacher position for a 3-month program. Accommodation and meals are provided, making it ideal for those looking for a short term teaching experience.

6. Life Foundation Sri Lanka ( Various government schools): Recruiting Volunteer English Teachers to teach in government schools across the country. A great opportunity to contribute to education in rural areas.

7. The British Council (Colombo, Kandy, Jaffna, Matara): Hiring English Teachers (Consultancy) on a flexible hourly basis. Suitable for educators seeking part-time teaching opportunities.

8. Open University of Sri Lanka (Various regional centers): Offering Temporary Lecturer/Demonstrator positions in departments like Zoology, Botany, and IT. Ideal for those with specialized knowledge in these fields.

9. Lyceum International School (Wattala): Conducting walk in interviews for Various Teaching Roles. A chance to join a reputable institution with multiple teaching vacancies.

10. SeriousTeachers.com: Listing various Volunteer and Paid Teaching Roles across Sri Lanka. A platform to find both short-term and long-term teaching opportunities.

11. Gazette.lk (Eastern and Northern Provinces): Official announcements for Graduate Teaching Vacancies in provincial schools. A reliable source for government teaching positions.

12. LinkedIn: Featuring a variety of Teaching Positions across Sri Lanka. A professional network with numerous job listings in the education sector.

13. Ikman.lk: Classified ads for Education and Training Jobs. A platform to explore teaching opportunities in various educational institutions.

14. TeachAway: Specializing in International Teaching Roles. Ideal for educators seeking opportunities in international schools within Sri Lanka.

15. XpressJobs: Listing Education and Higher Education Jobs. A platform to find teaching positions in schools and higher education institutions across the country.

Check out: Healthcare and Nursing jobs in Sri Lanka

Where to Find Teaching Jobs in Sri Lanka

If you’re looking for teaching opportunities in Sri Lanka, there are several reliable platforms and institutions to explore. Local job portals like TopJobs.lk and classified sites such as Ikman.lk regularly post education related vacancies. Professional networks like LinkedIn also feature teaching positions across the country.

For international and volunteer opportunities, platforms like SeriousTeachers.com, TeachAway, Teacher Horizons, and Schrole provide a variety of school placements, including international schools. Those seeking government positions can check official announcements on Gazette.lk, while specialized TEFL roles are often listed on TEFL.org. Additionally, XpressJobs features listings for both school and higher education roles.

Note: These are some of the main sources, but there are many other platforms and institutions where teaching jobs may be posted. Always verify details and stay updated, as new vacancies appear regularly.

Qualifications and Requirements

For Local Teachers:
  • A Bachelor’s degree in Education (B.Ed.) or a relevant subject.
  • Alternatively, a National Diploma in Teaching (NDT) or a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) is accepted for those without a B.Ed.
  • Teaching experience is valued, especially for secondary and senior level roles.
For Foreign Teachers:
  • A Bachelor’s degree in any field; education or subject specific degrees are preferred.
  • TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certification (120+ hours) is recommended for English teaching positions.
  • High proficiency in English is essential; knowing basic Sinhala or Tamil is a plus.
  • Prior teaching experience can improve salary and placement opportunities.
Visa & Work Eligibility:
  • A valid work visa is required to teach legally. Schools usually help with the application process.
  • Short term tourist visas (ETA) do not allow teaching.
  • Medical insurance is strongly recommended while living in Sri Lanka.

Note: To succeed as a teacher in Sri Lanka, it’s important to learn some basic local phrases to engage with students, carefully review all contract terms including salary, benefits, and housing, and respect local culture and school norms to ensure a smooth and positive teaching experience.

Teacher Salaries in Sri Lanka (2025)

Salaries for teachers in Sri Lanka vary depending on the school type, experience, and location. Here’s what you can generally expect:

Public Schools
  • Primary Level: Beginners usually earn around LKR 18,500–33,000 per month. After a few years of experience, this can rise to LKR 25,000–48,000.
  • Secondary Level: High school teachers typically earn about LKR 32,000 monthly, though this may fluctuate depending on your subject and teaching experience.
Private Schools

Pay is generally higher than public schools, with monthly salaries ranging from roughly LKR 60,000 to LKR 100,000. Experience and school location can influence the exact amount.

International Schools

Teachers at international schools enjoy more competitive salaries, often between LKR 150,000 and LKR 300,000 per month. These positions may include benefits like housing, health insurance, and travel allowances.

Universities and Higher Education

Lecturer salaries vary widely from LKR 30,000 to LKR 175,000 monthly, based on rank, experience, and the institution’s reputation.

Note: These are approximate figures. Salaries can differ based on the school, city, and your qualifications. Always check with the school or employer for precise numbers.

Cost of Living and Lifestyle

Living in Sri Lanka as a teacher is generally affordable, but it depends on where you choose to stay and your lifestyle:

Housing: Rent is higher in city centers like Colombo, while smaller towns like Kandy or Galle offer cheaper options.

Daily Life: Food, transport, and basic utilities are manageable. Eating out or using public transport is inexpensive.

Environment: Colombo provides a bustling, modern city life, whereas other cities offer scenic landscapes, beaches, and tea plantations for a more relaxed pace.

Lifestyle Benefits

Teaching in Sri Lanka offers more than just income, it’s a chance to immerse yourself in culture, nature, and local traditions:

  • Many international schools provide additional perks such as housing, healthcare, paid holidays, and travel allowances.
  • Public school positions often come with healthcare and retirement benefits.
  • Free time allows you to explore beaches, mountains, historical sites, and tea plantations.

Note: Salary figures, benefits, and living costs can differ depending on the city, school type, or institutional updates. Always verify with reliable sources before making decisions.

Conclusion

Teaching in Sri Lanka offers a unique opportunity to grow professionally while experiencing a vibrant culture and beautiful surroundings. From bustling cities to serene landscapes, life here can be both enriching and adventurous. But is teaching in Sri Lanka the right fit for you? Consider your adaptability, interest in local culture, and willingness to navigate new systems, these factors can make the experience truly rewarding.

Salaries, living costs, and benefits can vary depending on the type of school, city, and individual circumstances, so it’s important to confirm details with prospective employers. With the right preparation and mindset, teaching in Sri Lanka can become a fulfilling chapter in your career, blending work with meaningful cultural immersion.

For more updates on teaching opportunities and life abroad, revisit this guide regularly.

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Augustus Sylvester Victor A Content Writer, Athlete, Organist and a Tutor from Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

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