Sri Lankan honours system

The Sri Lankan national honours system is a fully indigenous honours system of titles, decorations and medals which are awarded to recognize achievements of, or service by, Sri Lankans or others in connection with Sri Lanka. Until 1972, the British honours system was in place in Ceylon along with several indigenous titles (which were not awarded since 1948), however since 1956 no nominations were made for these honors and were automatically discontinued after Sri Lanka became a republic. Since 1981 a uniquely Sri Lankan system of National Honours have been introduced. These awards are titles that can be used by the recipients.

Awards are made by the President of Sri Lanka on behalf the Government of Sri Lanka. The Presidential Secretariat is responsible for the administration of the honours.

These are civil honours with different awards and decorations of members of the military in the form of gallantry awards and campaign medals.

The Sri Lankan national honours divided into five categories:

These include the following in the order of their ranking, which are used as titles;

The Sri Lankabhimanya is conferred to "those who have rendered exceptionally outstanding and most distinguished service to the nation". The honour can only be held by five Sri Lankans contemporaneously, and can be also be conferred posthumously.

The Deshamanya (Pride of the Nation) is the second highest Sri Lankan national honour (after the Sri Lankabhimanya) awarded by the Government of Sri Lanka "for highly meritorious service".

The Deshabandu is the third highest Sri Lankan national honour. It is awarded "for meritorious service".

The Sri Lanka Sikhamani (Sri Lanka's precious gem) is a national honour "for service to the nation".

The Sri Lanka Thilaka is a non titular national honour "for service to the nation".

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