Orders, decorations, and medals of Sri Lanka: Difference between revisions

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In the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, individuals are recognized for personal bravery, achievement, or service with the with national honours. The national honours consists of several types of awards:

National Honours are civil honours awarded for service to the nation, bravery, scientific achievement, achievements in arts, culture and drama.
Decorations tend to be used to recognise specific deeds;
- Military decorations
Medals are used to recognise service on a particular operation or in a specific theatre, long or valuable service, and good conduct.
- Military medals
- Police medals

Awards are conferred by the President of Sri Lanka on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka, with the Presidential Secretariat being responsible for the administration of the honours.

History

The Sinhalese monarchs rewarded their loyal subjects with titles and tokens of honor, with the last native kingdom, the Kingdom of Kandy, having an established system of honors that had been in practice since time immemorial. The British established their own system of honors for the island, incorporating indigenous titles and Imperial honors by the late nineteeth century. 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.

The modern national honours of Sri Lanka was constituted in 1986 by the Extraordinary Gazette No. 387/3 issued on 2 March 1986, which established a uniquely indigenous honours system of titles, decorations and medals which are awarded to recognise achievements of, or service by, Sri Lankans or others in connection with Sri Lanka. This was followed by amendments mentioned in the Government Gazette No. 627/8 issued on 12 September 1990, Government Gazette No. 863/4 issued on 20 March 1995 and Government Gazette No. 1535/12 8 February 2008. Many of the awards are titular.^[1]

Selection and awards

Nominations for national honors are made by cabinet ministers and provincial governors. A select committee nominated by the President and chaired by the Prime Minister’s Secretary review the nominations. This list is then reviewed by a group of scholars chosen by the President's Secretary and selects recipients for appointment by the President.^[2]

The recipient's names are formally published in a gazette, after which the awards are presented by the President on a special ceremony that may fall on the National Independence Day, National Heroes Day, and events honoring non-Sri Lankan honorees.^[2]

Civil Honour

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

For service to the nation

Sri Lankabhimanya

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 at a time, and also can be conferred posthumously.^[3]

Deshamanya

The Deshamanya (Pride of the Nation) is the second highest Sri Lankan national honour, awarded by the Government of Sri Lanka "for highly meritorious service".^[4]

Deshabandu

The Deshabandu is the third-highest Sri Lankan national honour. It is awarded "for meritorious service".^[4]

Sri Lanka Sikhamani

The Sri Lanka Sikhamani (Sri Lanka's precious gem) is a national honour "for service to the nation".^[4]

Sri Lanka Thilaka

The Sri Lanka Thilaka is a non-titular national honour "for service to the nation".^[4]

For bravery

Veera Chudamani

The Veera Chudamani is a National Honour awarded " for acts of bravery of the highest order". Veera Chudamani ranks lower than Deshabandu.^[4]

Veera Prathapa

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.^[4]

For scientific achievement

Vidya Jyothi

The Vidya Jyothi is a national honour awarded " for outstanding scientific and technological achievements".^[4] 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.

Vidya Nidhi

The Vidya Nidhi is a national honour awarded " for meritorious scientific and technological achievements".^[4] Vidya Nidhi ranks lower than Sri Lanka Sikhamani.

For achievements in arts, culture and drama

Kala Keerthi

The Kala Keerthi is a national honour awarded " for extraordinary achievements and contributions in arts, culture and drama".^[4] 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

Kala Suri

The Kala Suri is a national honour awarded " for special contributions to the development of the arts".^[4] Kala Suri ranks lower than Vidya Nidhi.

For non-nationals

Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana

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".^[5]

Sri Lanka Rathna

The Sri Lanka Rathna is a Sri Lankan honour, for foreigners or non-nationals, awarded " for exceptional and outstanding service to the nation".^[4] It comprises a citation and a gold medal studded with nine "navaratnas" (Sri Lankan gems) with a Manel symbol (the country's national flower).

Sri Lanka Ranjana

The Sri Lanka Ranjana is a Sri Lankan honour, for foreigners or non-nationals, awarded " for distinguished service of highly meritorious nature".^[4]

Sri Lanka Ramya

The Sri Lanka Ramya is a Sri Lankan honour, for foreigners or non-nationals, awarded "for distinguished service".^[4]

Vishishta Kaushalyabhimani

The Vishishta Kaushalyabhimani was established in 2023.^[6]

Vishishta Republica Abhimani

The Vishishta Republica Abhimani was established in 2023.^[6]

Order of precedence

Return

In January 2019, former civil servant Devanesan Nesiah returned the honour Deshamanya award to him in the 2017 national honours by President Maithripala Sirisena, following Sirisena's role in the 2018 Sri Lankan constitutional crisis.^[7]

Non-honours

In the past, Justice of the Peace appointments were made as honours by the Minister of Justice. This entitle the holder to place post nominals JP after their name.

Religious and civil institutions in Sri Lanka commonly award various titles that are similar to national honors, however these are not recognised by the government and legislation is being drafted to stop such awards.^[1]

References

^ ^a ^b "LATEST NEWSLegal actions against unauthorized conferment and utilization of national awards and honorary titles". The Island. 23 February 2024. Retrieved 26 February 2024.
^ ^a ^b "Legal action to stop unapproved awarding of national honors: President's Secy". Sunday Times. Retrieved 26 February 2024.
^ "Sri Lankabhimanya award for two distinguished Sri Lankans". Island. Retrieved 10 July 2013.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k ^l ^m Gunawardena, Charles A. (2005). Encyclopedia Of Sri Lanka. Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd. p. 254. ISBN 9781932705485.
^ "Two Palestinian Heads of State awarded Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana National Honour". Sundaytimes.lk. Retrieved 10 January 2014.
^ ^a ^b "President's Secretary directs officials to pursue legal action against unauthorized granting of national awards and honorary titles". news.lk. Department of Information, Government of Sri Lanka. Retrieved 26 February 2024.
^ "Dr. Nesiah returns 'Deshamanya' award conferred to him by President". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 23 March 2024.

[Island1-1] "LATEST NEWSLegal actions against unauthorized conferment and utilization of national awards and honorary titles". The Island. 23 February 2024. Retrieved 26 February 2024.

[ST1-2] "Legal action to stop unapproved awarding of national honors: President's Secy". Sunday Times. Retrieved 26 February 2024.

[3] "Sri Lankabhimanya award for two distinguished Sri Lankans". Island. Retrieved 10 July 2013.

[Gunawardena-4] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k ^l ^m Gunawardena, Charles A. (2005). Encyclopedia Of Sri Lanka. Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd. p. 254. ISBN 9781932705485.

[5] "Two Palestinian Heads of State awarded Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana National Honour". Sundaytimes.lk. Retrieved 10 January 2014.

[newslk-6] "President's Secretary directs officials to pursue legal action against unauthorized granting of national awards and honorary titles". news.lk. Department of Information, Government of Sri Lanka. Retrieved 26 February 2024.

[7] "Dr. Nesiah returns 'Deshamanya' award conferred to him by President". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 23 March 2024.

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[2]

[3]

[4]

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{Short description|Sri Lankan system of awards}}
 {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}
 {{EngvarB|date=October 2020}}
-The '''Sri Lankan national honours''' is the system of awards given to individuals for a variety of services to the [[Sri Lanka|Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka]].
+In the [[Sri Lanka|Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka]], individuals are recognized for personal bravery, achievement, or service with the with national honours. The national honours consists of several types of awards:
-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 decoration|civil honour]]s with different [[Awards and decorations of the military of Sri Lanka|awards and decorations]] of members of the military in the form of gallantry awards and campaign medals.
+* '''National Honours''' are [[Civil decoration|civil honour]]s awarded for service to the nation, bravery, scientific achievement, achievements in arts, culture and drama.
+*'''[[State decoration|Decorations]]''' tend to be used to recognise specific deeds;
+** [[Military_awards_and_decorations_of_Sri_Lanka#Sri_Lanka_orders|Military decorations]]
+*'''[[Medal]]s''' are used to recognise service on a particular operation or in a specific theatre, long or valuable service, and good conduct.
+** [[Military medals]]
+** [[Awards and decorations of the Sri Lanka Police|Police medals]]
+Awards are conferred by the [[President of Sri Lanka]] on behalf of the [[Government of Sri Lanka]], with the [[Presidential Secretariat (Sri Lanka)|Presidential Secretariat]] being responsible for the administration of the honours.
-The Sri Lankan national honours divided into five categories:
-*Service to the nation
-*Bravery
-*Scientific achievement
-*Achievements in arts, culture and drama
-*Non-nationals
 ==History==
+The [[List of Sri Lankan monarchs|Sinhalese monarch]]s rewarded their loyal subjects with titles and tokens of honor, with the last native kingdom, the [[Kingdom of Kandy]], having an established system of honors that had been in practice since time immemorial. The British established their own system of honors for the island, incorporating [[Native headmen of Ceylon|indigenous titles]] and [[Orders, decorations, and medals of the United Kingdom|Imperial honors]] by the late nineteeth century. 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]].
-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 recognise achievements of, or service by, Sri Lankans or others in connection with Sri Lanka. Several awards are [[wikt:titular|titular]].
+The modern national honours of Sri Lanka was constituted in 1986 by the Extraordinary Gazette No. 387/3 issued on 2 March 1986, which established a uniquely indigenous honours system of titles, decorations and medals which are awarded to recognise achievements of, or service by, Sri Lankans or others in connection with Sri Lanka. This was followed by amendments mentioned in the Government Gazette No. 627/8 issued on 12 September 1990, Government Gazette No. 863/4 issued on 20 March 1995 and Government Gazette No. 1535/12 8 February 2008. Many of the awards are [[wikt:titular|titular]].<ref name="Island1">{{cite news |title=LATEST NEWSLegal actions against unauthorized conferment and utilization of national awards and honorary titles |url=https://island.lk/legal-actions-against-unauthorized-conferment-and-utilization-of-national-awards-and-honorary-titles/ |access-date=26 February 2024 |publisher=The Island |date=23 February 2024}}</ref>
+==Selection and awards==
-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]].
+Nominations for national honors are made by cabinet ministers and provincial governors. A select committee nominated by the President and chaired by the Prime Minister’s Secretary review the nominations. This list is then reviewed by a group of scholars chosen by the President's Secretary and selects recipients for appointment by the President.<ref name=ST1>{{cite news |title=Legal action to stop unapproved awarding of national honors: President’s Secy |url=https://sundaytimes.lk/online/news-online/Legal-action-to-stop-unapproved-awarding-of-national-honors-Presidents-Secy/2-1145119 |access-date=26 February 2024 |publisher=Sunday Times}}</ref>
+The recipient's names are formally published in a gazette, after which the awards are presented by the President on a special ceremony that may fall on the National Independence Day, National Heroes Day, and events honoring non-Sri Lankan honorees.<ref name=ST1/>
 ==Civil Honour==
 These include the following in the order of their ranking, which are used as titles;
 ===For service to the nation===
 ====Sri Lankabhimanya====
+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 at a time, and also can be conferred posthumously.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sri Lankabhimanya award for two distinguished Sri Lankans|url=http://www.island.lk/2007/12/01/news24.html|publisher=Island|access-date=10 July 2013}}</ref>
-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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sri Lankabhimanya award for two distinguished Sri Lankans|url=http://www.island.lk/2007/12/01/news24.html|publisher=Island|accessdate=10 July 2013}}</ref>
 ====Deshamanya====
+The [[Deshamanya]] (Pride of the Nation) is the second highest Sri Lankan national honour, awarded by the Government of Sri Lanka '''"for highly meritorious service"'''.<ref name=Gunawardena>{{cite book|last=Gunawardena|first=Charles A.|title=Encyclopedia Of Sri Lanka|year=2005|publisher=Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd|page=254|isbn=9781932705485|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hWLQSMPddikC&q=Veera+Chudamani&pg=PA254}}</ref>
-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"'''.<ref name=Gunawardena>{{cite book|last=Gunawardena|first=Charles A.|title=Encyclopedia Of Sri Lanka|year=2005|publisher=Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd|page=254|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hWLQSMPddikC&pg=PA254&lpg=PA254&dq=Veera+Chudamani&source=bl&ots=1B2Z3JPhh6&sig=CCIQfCDd0RF3SG9A9XF_oYCkOLQ&hl=en&sa=X&ei=4yXdUd2RBYipiAeJ6oHgCA&ved=0CDcQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=Veera%20Chudamani&f=false}}</ref>
 ====Deshabandu====
 The [[Deshabandu]] is the third-highest Sri Lankan national honour. It is awarded '''"for meritorious service"'''.<ref name=Gunawardena />
 ====Sri Lanka Sikhamani====
 The [[Sri Lanka Sikhamani]] (Sri Lanka's precious gem) is a national honour '''"for service to the nation"'''.<ref name=Gunawardena />
 ====Sri Lanka Thilaka====
+The [[Sri Lanka Thilaka]] is a non-titular national honour '''"for service to the nation"'''.<ref name=Gunawardena />
-The [[Sri Lanka Thilaka]] is a non titular national honour '''"for service to the nation"'''.<ref name=Gunawardena />
 ===For bravery===
 ====Veera Chudamani====
 The [[Veera Chudamani]] is a National Honour awarded '''" for acts of bravery of the highest order"'''. Veera Chudamani ranks lower than Deshabandu.<ref name=Gunawardena />
 ====Veera Prathapa====
 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.<ref name=Gunawardena />
 ===For scientific achievement===
 ====Vidya Jyothi====
 The [[Vidya Jyothi]] is a national honour awarded '''" for outstanding scientific and technological achievements"'''.<ref name=Gunawardena /> 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.
 ====Vidya Nidhi====
 The [[Vidya Nidhi]] is a national honour awarded '''" for meritorious scientific and technological achievements"'''.<ref name=Gunawardena /> Vidya Nidhi ranks lower than Sri Lanka Sikhamani.
 ===For achievements in arts, culture and drama===
 ====Kala Keerthi====
 The [[Kala Keerthi]] is a national honour awarded '''" for extraordinary achievements and contributions in arts, culture and drama"'''.<ref name=Gunawardena /> 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
 ====Kala Suri====
 The [[Kala Suri]] is a national honour awarded '''" for special contributions to the development of the arts"'''.<ref name=Gunawardena /> Kala Suri ranks lower than Vidya Nidhi.
 ===For non-nationals===
 ====Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana====
+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"'''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Two Palestinian Heads of State awarded Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana National Honour|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/news/42772.html|publisher=Sundaytimes.lk|access-date=10 January 2014}}</ref>
-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”'''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Two Palestinian Heads of State awarded Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana National Honour|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/news/42772.html|publisher=Sundaytimes.lk|accessdate=10 January 2014}}</ref>
 ====Sri Lanka Rathna====
 The [[Sri Lanka Rathna]] is a Sri Lankan honour, for foreigners or non-nationals, awarded '''" for exceptional and outstanding service to the nation"'''.<ref name=Gunawardena /> It comprises a citation and a gold medal studded with nine "navaratnas" (Sri Lankan gems) with a Manel symbol (the country's national flower).
 ====Sri Lanka Ranjana====
 The [[Sri Lanka Ranjana]] is a Sri Lankan honour, for foreigners or non-nationals, awarded '''" for distinguished service of highly meritorious nature"'''.<ref name=Gunawardena />
 ====Sri Lanka Ramya====
 The [[Sri Lanka Ramya]] is a Sri Lankan honour, for foreigners or non-nationals, awarded '''"for distinguished service"'''.<ref name=Gunawardena />
+===Vishishta Kaushalyabhimani===
-==Order of precedence==
+The Vishishta Kaushalyabhimani was established in 2023.<ref name="newslk">{{cite web |title=President’s Secretary directs officials to pursue legal action against unauthorized granting of national awards and honorary titles |url=https://www.news.lk/news/political-current-affairs/item/36204-president-s-secretary-directs-officials-to-pursue-legal-action-against-unauthorized-granting-of-national-awards-and-honorary-titles |website=news.lk |publisher=Department of Information, Government of Sri Lanka |access-date=26 February 2024}}</ref>
+===Vishishta Republica Abhimani===
+The Vishishta Republica Abhimani was established in 2023.<ref name="newslk"/>
+==Order of precedence==
 * [[Sri Lankabhimanya]]
 * [[Deshamanya]]
@@ Line 112: / Line 100: @@
 * [[Sri Lanka Ramya]]
-==Non honours==
+==Return==
+In January 2019, former civil servant Devanesan Nesiah returned the honour Deshamanya award to him in the [[2017 Sri Lankan national honours|2017 national honours]] by President [[Maithripala Sirisena]], following Sirisena's role in the [[2018 Sri Lankan constitutional crisis]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Dr. Nesiah returns 'Deshamanya' award conferred to him by President |url=https://www.dailymirror.lk/article/Dr-Nesiah-returns-Deshamanya-award-conferred-to-him-by-President-160633.html |access-date=23 March 2024 |publisher=Daily Mirror}}</ref>
+==Non-honours==
-* In the past, [[Justice of the Peace#Sri Lanka|Justice of the Peace]] appointments were made as honours by the [[Ministry of Justice and Law Reforms (Sri Lanka)|Minister of Justice]]. This entitle the holder to place [[List of post-nominal letters#Sri Lanka|post nominals]] '''JP''' after his or her name.
+* In the past, [[Justice of the Peace#Sri Lanka|Justice of the Peace]] appointments were made as honours by the [[Ministry of Justice and Law Reforms (Sri Lanka)|Minister of Justice]]. This entitle the holder to place [[List of post-nominal letters#Sri Lanka|post nominals]] '''JP''' after their name.
-* Religious and civil institutions in Sri Lanka commonly award various titles, however these are not recognised by the government and legislation is being drafted to stop such awards.
+* Religious and civil institutions in Sri Lanka commonly award various titles that are similar to national honors, however these are not recognised by the government and legislation is being drafted to stop such awards.<ref name="Island1"/>
-==Former titles==
+==See also==
+* [[Military awards and decorations of Sri Lanka]]
-*[[Maha Adigar]] - Originally a [[Kandyan Kingdom|Sinhalese]] title of high office continued by the [[United Kingdom|British]]
+* [[Awards and decorations of the Sri Lanka Police]]
-*[[Maha Dissava]] - Originally a [[Kandyan Kingdom|Sinhalese]] title of high office continued by the [[United Kingdom|British]]
-*[[Sri Lankan Mudaliyars|Mudaliyar]] - Originally a [[Portugal|Portuguese]] title of office continued by the [[United Kingdom|British]]<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=p7Tqdb-gvDkC&pg=PA47&lpg=PA47&dq=Kandyan+honours+system&source=bl&ots=qappOgn4iY&sig=kyNax85qp3BTek-iRMtX_IalGfQ&hl=en&sa=X&ei=YrB1T7r5PMnIrQfGw8GuDQ&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=Kandyan%20honours%20system&f=false |title=Buddhism in Sinhalese society 1750-1900 |first=Kitsiri |last=Malalgoda |page=43|publisher=[[University of California Press]] |year=1976 |accessdate=30 March 2012}}</ref>
-*[[Muhandiram]] - Originally a [[Portugal|Portuguese]] title of office continued by the [[United Kingdom|British]]
-*[[Duke|Adhipadya]] (''Duke'')
-*[[Lord|Sarmiwaraya]] (''Lord'')
-*[[Sir|Srimath]] (''Sir'')
-*[[The Right Honourable|Maha Manya]] (''The Right Honourable'')
 ==References==
+{{Commons category}}
 {{reflist}}
 {{Honors and decorations of Sri Lanka}}
+{{Military awards and decorations of Sri Lanka}}
 {{Decorations by country}}
 [[Category:Orders, decorations, and medals of Sri Lanka| ]]
+[[Category:Sri Lanka and the Commonwealth of Nations]]