In a historic gesture of friendship and diplomatic recognition, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Saturday conferred the country’s highest civilian honour for a foreign leader—Mitra Vibhushana—on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The prestigious award, introduced in 2008, is reserved for heads of state or government who have demonstrated exceptional friendship and cooperation with Sri Lanka. During a joint press statement in Colombo, President Dissanayake stated:
“This prestigious honour is conferred upon heads of states and government for their friendship, and honourable Prime Minister Modi highly deserves this honour; that is what we firmly believe.”
The design of the award is rich in symbolism, reflecting the deep cultural and spiritual ties between India and Sri Lanka:
- The “Dharma Chakra” signifies the shared Buddhist heritage.
- The “Pun Kalasa”, a pot adorned with sheaves of rice, represents prosperity and renewal.
- The “Navarathna” or nine gems stand for everlasting friendship.
- The Sun and Moon denote a timeless bond extending from the past into the future.
The announcement came after PM Modi and President Dissanayake held bilateral and delegation-level talks, with top Indian officials including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in attendance.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi received a historic ceremonial welcome at Colombo’s Independence Square—a first for any visiting leader. He also interacted with the Indian diaspora and enjoyed a traditional puppet performance, underscoring the vibrant cultural ties between the two nations.
PM Modi’s state visit to Sri Lanka, from April 4 to 6, is his first since 2019 and follows his participation in the BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand, where he held talks with several regional leaders.
In a message on X, PM Modi expressed gratitude: “Landed in Colombo. Grateful to the ministers and dignitaries who welcomed me at the airport. Looking forward to the programs in Sri Lanka.”
The conferment of the Mitra Vibhushana further cements India-Sri Lanka relations, celebrating shared heritage, mutual respect, and a vision for regional cooperation.
