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 award: 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 made by the President of Sri Lanka on behalf the Government of Sri Lanka, with the Presidential Secretariat being responsible for the administration of the honours. History 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 ninteeth 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 titular. 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 contemporaneously, and also can be conferred posthumously. Deshamanya 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". Deshabandu The Deshabandu is the third-highest Sri Lankan national honour. It is awarded "for meritorious service". Sri Lanka Sikhamani The Sri Lanka Sikhamani (Sri Lanka's precious gem) is a national honour "for service to the nation". Sri Lanka Thilaka The Sri Lanka Thilaka is a non titular