Sat Apr 05 08:41:00 UTC 2025: ## Modi Awarded Sri Lanka’s Highest Civilian Honor
**Colombo, Sri Lanka –** Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Sri Lanka’s highest civilian honor, the Mithra Vibhushana, on Saturday during his three-day visit to the island nation. The prestigious award, presented by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, recognizes PM Modi’s significant contributions to strengthening bilateral ties and promoting the shared cultural and spiritual heritage between India and Sri Lanka.
President Dissanayake stated that PM Modi “highly deserves this honour,” emphasizing the deep friendship between the two nations. Accepting the award, PM Modi declared it an honor not just for himself, but for all 1.4 billion Indians, highlighting the historical relationship between India and Sri Lanka.
The Mithra Vibhushana, established in 2008, is only bestowed upon a select few, signifying exceptional global friendships. Its design incorporates elements symbolizing the shared Buddhist heritage and the enduring relationship between the two countries, including a Dharma Chakra, sheaves of rice representing prosperity, nine precious gems (Navrathna), and the sun and moon representing the timeless nature of the bond. PM Modi is only the fourth recipient, following former Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and Yasser Arafat. This marks the 22nd international recognition for PM Modi.
PM Modi’s visit, which began Friday, included a grand ceremonial welcome at Independence Square, a first for a foreign leader. Bilateral talks between PM Modi and President Dissanayake resulted in the signing of several key agreements, including a landmark defense cooperation pact – a first for the two nations – and agreements to develop Trincomalee as an energy hub and provide multi-sectoral grant assistance to Sri Lanka’s eastern region. The leaders also virtually inaugurated several joint projects, including a solar power project and an agricultural warehouse.
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