New Delhi:
During his three-day visit to Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented with the Mitra Bibshana Award, the island nation’s highest civilian honor. This prestigious recognition was bestowed by Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumala Disnayake in appreciation of Modi’s initiatives to enhance bilateral ties and celebrate the mutual cultural and spiritual legacies of the two nations.
“We are happy to declare that the Sri Lankan government will award Prime Minister Modi the distinguished Sri Lanka Mitra Bibshana, as he is deserving of this accolade.
After receiving the award, Prime Minister Modi expressed that it was a “matter of pride” for him.
“Receiving the Sri Lanka Mithra Bibshana Award from President Anura Kumara Disnayake today is not just an honor for me but a tribute to 140 Crore Indians. It symbolizes the historical bonds and profound friendship between the people of Sri Lanka and India.
#clock |Columbo|Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred the Mithra Bibshana Award by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disnayake
(Source-ANI/DD) pic.twitter.com/9xvngn9q00
-Ani (@ani) April 5, 2025
This award signifies the 22nd international accolade conferred on Prime Minister Modi by a foreign government.
The “Mithra Vibhushana” medal has been established to honor exceptional global friendships and symbolizes the depth and warmth of Indo-Sri Lankan relationships. The “dharma chakra” illustrates the common Buddhist heritage that has influenced the cultural customs of both nations.
“Pankarasa” – the ceremonial pot central to the medal signifies prosperity and renewal, embellished with sheaves of rice. This is “Navrathna” – representing the lasting friendship between India and Sri Lanka – encircled by nine precious gems depicted within the earth and surrounded by lotus petals.
The sun and moon at the top of the medal symbolize the enduring nature of relationships, spanning from ancient times to infinite futures.
These components collectively embody the rich cultural and spiritual ties binding the two nations.
The highest civilian honor of the island nation was first introduced in 2008 by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Besides Prime Minister Modi, this award has also been given to three other leaders: former Maldives President Maumoon Abdul Gaim, Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas, and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.
Sri Lanka Prime Minister Modi
Upon his arrival in Colombo on Friday, Prime Minister Modi was accorded a grand ceremonial welcome at the historic Independence Square, marking a significant gesture likely unprecedented for a foreign leader.
Shortly after his arrival, Prime Minister Modi and the Sri Lankan President engaged in a bilateral discussion.
On Saturday, India and Sri Lanka formalized several key agreements, including a landmark defense cooperation pact for the first time, alongside several important arrangements such as the development of Trincomalee as an energy hub. Another agreement was reached to provide multi-sector grant assistance from India to the eastern region of Sri Lanka.
The two leaders also successfully inaugurated several pivotal bilateral projects, including the Sanpur Solar Power Project and a temperature-controlled agricultural warehouse in Dumbra.
