The recipient of the honour is awarded a citation and a silver medal, which is to be worn around the neck, studded and adorned with nine kinds of Sri Lankan gems (Nawaratna) with the symbols of a lotus, the globe, sun, moon and sheaves of rice.
The ribbon on medal is 6.5 cm (2.6 in) wide.
The honour takes precedence over the National Honours awarded to non–Sri Lankans, and will be awarded by the President as and when he/she deems fit.
The names of all the recipients are contained in a register maintained under the direction of the President for the recipient of National Honours granted to Sri Lankans.
The honour was introduced in February 2008 by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.