National Hero is a status an individual can receive in Sri Lanka for those who are considered to have played a major role in fighting for the freedom of the country.

Every year, the President and general public pay tribute by observing a two minutes silence in their memory.

[16] The recipients include Pandara Vanniyan, a Vanni chieftain, who died during a revolt against the British and Dutch in Sri Lanka.

[24] It marked a transition from the classic feudal form of anti-colonial revolt to modern independence struggles.

[26] For their role in the rebellion, Puran Appu and Gongalegoda Banda were made National Heroes.