PM Narendra Modi was awarded Sri Lanka’s highest civilian honour, the Mithra Vibhushana, during his three-day visit to the island nation. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake presented the prestigious award to PM Modi in recognition of his efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and promote the shared cultural and spiritual heritage of both nations.
“I am pleased to announce that the Government of Sri Lanka has decided to confer upon him (PM Narendra Modi) the highest Sri Lankan honour – Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana. Prime Minister Modi truly deserves this honour, and we firmly believe in this,” said President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
In response, PM Modi expressed that receiving the award was a moment of great pride for him. “Today, being honoured with the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushan award by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is not just an honour for me, but for 1.4 billion Indians. It reflects the historical ties and deep friendship between the people of Sri Lanka and India. I thank the president, the government of Sri Lanka, and the people here for this recognition,” he remarked.
The ‘Mithra Vibhushana’ medal was specially created to celebrate exceptional global friendships and to symbolize the warmth and depth of India-Sri Lanka relations.
The ‘Dharma Chakra’ on the medal reflects the shared Buddhist heritage that has shaped the cultural traditions of both nations. The ‘Pun Kalasa’ (a ceremonial pot) adorned with sheaves of rice symbolizes prosperity and renewal.
‘Navarathna’ (nine precious gems) represents the priceless and enduring friendship between the two countries, depicted within a globe encircled by pure lotus petals. Finally, the ‘Sun and Moon’ signify the timeless bond, stretching from the ancient past into the infinite future.
