How to Write a Cover Letter for Sri Lankan Employers (With a Sample)

13 Oct 2026

Many private-sector employers in Sri Lanka still expect a cover letter with a CV, especially for office, banking, finance, marketing and management roles. A good cover letter is short – usually three or four paragraphs – and explains why you are a good fit for this specific job. It should not repeat your whole CV.

When do you need one?

• When the advert asks for a "covering letter" or "application letter".
• When you apply by email – the email itself becomes your cover letter.
• When you are changing careers and need to explain how your experience applies.
• When you send your CV to a company that has not advertised a vacancy.

A simple structure

1. Heading: your name, phone, email, the date, and the employer's name and address.
2. Opening paragraph: the post you are applying for, where you saw it, and one sentence on why you are interested.
3. Middle paragraph(s): two or three strengths that match the job requirements, with a short example or achievement for each.
4. Closing paragraph: availability for interview, a thank-you, and a polite sign-off.

Sample cover letter

Nimali Perera
No. 24, Temple Road, Kurunegala
077 123 4567 · nimali.perera@email.com

12 October 2026

The Human Resources Manager
ABC Distributors (Pvt) Ltd
Colombo 10

Dear Sir/Madam,

Application for the post of Accounts Assistant

I am writing to apply for the post of Accounts Assistant advertised on JobPortal LK. With AAT Passed Finalist status and two years of experience in a trading company, I am confident I can support your finance team from the first day.

In my current role at XYZ Traders, I prepare monthly bank reconciliations for four accounts, manage supplier payments and maintain the debtors ledger in QuickBooks. Last year I reduced overdue customer balances by following up invoices weekly and preparing a simple ageing report for management.

I am comfortable with Microsoft Excel, including VLOOKUP and pivot tables, and I communicate well in Sinhala and English. I am also continuing my studies towards a professional accounting qualification.

My CV is attached for your consideration. I am available for an interview at your convenience and can be contacted on 077 123 4567. Thank you for considering my application.

Yours faithfully,
Nimali Perera

The names and details above are examples only.

Tips that make a difference

• Write a new letter for each job. Mention the company name and the exact post. Generic letters are easy to spot.
• Match the advert. If the job asks for "experience with SAP" or "good English", address those points directly.
• Use numbers. "Handled 40 customer calls a day" or "managed petty cash of Rs. 200,000" is more convincing than "hard-working".
• Keep it to one page. Three to four short paragraphs are enough.
• Use a formal tone – "Dear Sir/Madam" with "Yours faithfully", or "Dear Mr./Ms. [Name]" with "Yours sincerely".
• Check spelling and grammar. Ask someone to read it before you send it.

Applying by email

When you apply by email, use a clear subject such as "Application for Accounts Assistant – Nimali Perera". Put a shorter version of the cover letter in the body of the email and attach your CV as a PDF named with your name, for example Nimali_Perera_CV.pdf. Use a professional email address with your name, not a nickname.

Mistakes to avoid

• Starting with "I am a hard-working and honest person" – show it with examples instead.
• Copying sentences from the internet word for word.
• Talking mainly about what you want from the company instead of what you can offer.
• Mentioning salary expectations unless the advert asks for them.
• Sending the letter addressed to the wrong company – it happens more often than you think.

Ready to apply? Find the latest accounting and finance jobs and office and admin jobs on JobPortal LK.