The modern national honours of Sri Lanka was constituted in 1986, when the National Honours Act of 1986 established a uniquely 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. Several awards are. Until 1972, the British honours system was in place in Ceylon along with several indigenous titles, however since 1956 no nominations were made for these honours and were automatically discontinued after Sri Lanka became a republic.
Civil Honour
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 also can be conferred posthumously.
The Veera Prathapa is a non titular national honour awarded "for acts of bravery of the highest order". Veera Prathapa ranks lower than Sri Lanka Thilaka.
The Vidya Jyothi is a national honour awarded "for outstanding scientific and technological achievements". It is the highest national honour for science in Sri Lanka for outstanding contribution to the development of the country through dedicated work in the chosen field. It is conventionally used as a title or prefix to the awardee's name. Vidya Jyothi ranks lower than Veera Chudamani.
The Vidya Nidhi is a national honour awarded "for meritorious scientific and technological achievements". Vidya Nidhi ranks lower than Sri Lanka Sikhamani.
The Kala Keerthi is a national honour awarded "for extraordinary achievements and contributions in arts, culture and drama". It is the highest National Honour for arts, culture and drama in Sri Lanka. It is conventionally used as a title or prefix to the awardee's name. Kala Keerthi ranks lower than Vidya Jyothi
The Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana is the highest Sri Lankan honour for non-citizens, reserved for heads of state and heads of government with which Sri Lanka has friendly relations “in appreciation of their friendship towards and solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka”.
The Sri Lanka Rathna is a Sri Lankan honour, for foreigners or non-nationals, awarded "for exceptional and outstanding service to the nation". It comprises a citation and a gold medal studded with nine "navaratnas" with a Manel symbol.
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
Maha Adigar - Originally a Sinhalese title of high office continued by the British
Maha Dissava - Originally a Sinhalese title of high office continued by the British
