PM Modi Honoured with Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana for Strengthening Bilateral Ties
Colombo, April 5: In a significant gesture recognizing his contributions to enhancing India-Sri Lanka relations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the prestigious Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana, the highest civilian honor for Heads of State and Government in Sri Lanka. The award was presented by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during a joint press briefing in Colombo.
The Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana is given to global leaders who have fostered strong and friendly ties with Sri Lanka, reflecting the country’s appreciation for their solidarity and goodwill. President Dissanayake commended PM Modi’s efforts, stating that the award was well-deserved due to his exemplary work in strengthening the relationship between the two nations.
In his response, PM Modi expressed profound gratitude, emphasizing that the award was not only a personal recognition but also a tribute to the 140 crore people of India. “To be honoured with the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana award is not just an honour to me, but to 140 crore Indians. I thank the President, the government of Sri Lanka, and the people here,” he said.
PM Modi further remarked that the award symbolized the long-standing and deep-rooted friendship between India and Sri Lanka, highlighting their shared spiritual and cultural heritage. The Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana medal is designed to reflect this bond, with its Dharma Chakra representing the common Buddhist legacy, the Pun Kalasa symbolizing prosperity, and the Navarathna gems encircling a globe to epitomize the enduring relationship between the two countries.
This recognition marks the 22nd international honor conferred on PM Modi by a foreign country, underscoring his growing global stature as a leader dedicated to regional peace, development, and spiritual diplomacy. The recognition is a testament to India’s commitment to strengthening relations with its neighbors.
Both countries also celebrated their continued cooperation in multiple sectors. During the event, several key bilateral projects were inaugurated, including the Sampur Solar Power Project and a Temperature-Controlled Agriculture Warehouse in Dambulla. Several MoUs were exchanged between India and Sri Lanka in areas like energy, digital transformation, and trilateral cooperation with the UAE for developing Trincomalee as an energy hub.
India’s financial assistance to Sri Lanka remains crucial, with $7 billion in cumulative aid, including $780 million in grant assistance. Over 40 developmental projects have been completed in Sri Lanka, benefiting all 25 districts of the island nation. Additionally, Indian investments continue to play a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s economic development, surpassing $2 billion.
The conferment of the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana represents a powerful symbol of shared destinies, spiritual kinship, and a vision for progress built on mutual respect and trust between India and Sri Lanka.
