The crest of the SLMA consists of a torch and two ancient Sinhala crossed swords encircled by two sheaves of paddy with the motto underneath:

a. The "Torch" depicts learning/wisdom.
b. The "Crossed Swords" symbolize the Army.
c. The "Sheaves of Paddy" denote prosperity.

The motto, "සේවයෙන් නායකත්වය" which is the Sinhala translation of “Serve to Lead” is in black lettering on a gold background. The torch is in silver and the flame in red with yellow edges. The crossed swords are golden on the hilt and the blades are silver. The sheaves of paddy are in gold.