East India Company Ceylon Medal 1795-96

Silver, circular medal with loop riveted at the uppermost point for suspension. The obverse is inscribed, 'For Services on the Island of Ceylon A.D. 1795/6'. The reverse with an inscription in Persian, 'This medal was given by way of acknowledgement of services in Ceylon in the year of the Hegira [Hijiri] 1209-1210.

This medal was awarded to Bengal Army soldiers who served during the occupation of Dutch Ceylon (Sri Lanka). The British seized the main coastal settlements, including Trincomalee, a trading port and a base from which enemy vessels attacked British shipping. But the British struggled to control the island's interior, suffering losses from disease and fighting several campaigns against King Sri Vikrama Rajasinha of Kandy.

Instituted in 1807 the medal was issued to officers in gold and non-commissioned officers and other ranks in silver.