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 President Secretariat is responsible for the administration of honours.

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

List of Honours

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

• Sri Lankabhimanya - awarded to a very limited number of highly distinguished individuals, with only 1 award per year.
• Deshamanya
• Deshabandu
• Veera Chadamani
• Vidya Jyothi
• Kala Keerthi
• Sri Lanka Sikhamani
• Vidya Nidhi
• Kala Suri
• Sri Lanka Thilaka

Other honours

• Justice of the Peace appointments are commonly made as honours by the Minister of Justice. This entitle the holder to place post nominals JP after his or her name.
• Religious and civil institutions in Sri Lanka commonly award various titles, however these are not recognized by the government and legislation is being drafted to stop such awards.

Former titles

• Adhipadya (Duke)
• Sarmiwaraya (Lord)
• Srimath (Sir)
• Maha Manya (The Right Honourable)
• Adigar - Originally a Kandian title of high office continued by the British
• Dissava - Originally a Kandian title of high office continued by the British
• Rate Mahatmaya - Originally a Kandian title of high office continued by the British
• Mudaliyar - Originally a Portuguese title of office continued by the British

References

• National Honours Gazette Notification 2005