NHDA conducts first-ever cut-off test for employees to enable promotions

Colombo, May 26 (Daily Mirror) - For the first time in its history, the National Housing Development Authority (NHDA) has conducted a cut-off test for its employees, paving the way for more than 1,000 staff members to obtain promotions across salary grades from the Primary Salary Group to the HM 1-3 Salary Group.

Officials said such an assessment had not been conducted for NHDA employees under previous governments, and the move is considered a significant step by the current administration to strengthen human resource development within the institution. The programme is also expected to improve employee motivation.

A number of efficiency-based cut-off interviews have already been completed for the PL salary group, while preparations are underway to conduct similar assessments for employees in the MA 1-2 and MM 1-3 salary categories.

Meanwhile, steps have also been taken to enhance efficiency and motivation among technical officers serving at NHDA head office and district offices. Under the revised arrangements, the composite allowance will be paid only when officers perform field duties, subject to a maximum of 10 days. They will also receive a telephone allowance of Rs. 1,875 and a fuel allowance of Rs. 10 per kilometre, in line with Public Administration Circular No. 10/2026 issued on 9 April 2026.

Authorities said these measures have helped address long-standing issues related to promotions and allowances for technical officers.

In addition, under Public Administration Circular No. 11/2026, steps are being taken to make permanent the appointments of daily and contract-based employees at the NHDA. Plans are also underway to fill several essential vacancies in the future.