The number of medals for meritorious service was limited to a maximum of ten a year.

They were themselves replaced by the Sri Lanka Police Weeratha Padakkama for gallantry and Sri Lanka Police Vishishta Seva Padakkama for meritorious service when Ceylon became a republic in 1972.

[4] Circular and made of silver, the medals have the sovereign's effigy on the obverse, (George VI until 1953, then Elizabeth II).

The reverse bears the image of an elephant with, above, the wording "Ceylon Police Service" and, below, either "For Gallantry" or "For Merit", as appropriate.

The ribbon is suspended from a straight bar suspension, with awards for gallantry distinguished by two narrow red stripes in the ribbon design.