Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Saturday conferred with the ‘Mithra Vibhushana’ award by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The award was conferred to PM Modi “in honour of his exceptional efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and promote the shared cultural and spiritual heritage of the two nations”.
The award, the highest civilian honour of the island nation, was instituted in February 2008 by then President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
After receiving the award, PM Modi said, “Being honoured with the Sri Lanka Mithra Vibhushan by the President is a matter of great pride for me.”
“This honour is not just mine but it belongs to the 140 crore people of India. It is a tribute to the historic and deep friendship between the people of India and Sri Lanka. For this recognition, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Sri Lanka, President Dissanayake, and the people of this nation,” the Prime Minister said.
The Sri Lankan medal marks the 22nd International award conferred by a foreign nation to PM Modi.
The honour stands as a glowing tribute to PM Modi’s visionary leadership and his steadfast commitment to regional cooperation, cultural revival, and spiritual diplomacy.
The recipient of the honour is awarded a citation and a silver medal to be worn around the neck, studded and adorned with nine types of Sri Lankan gems and the symbols of a lotus, globe, sun, moon and sheaves of rice.
The Dharma Chakra represents the shared Buddhist heritage that has shaped the cultural traditions of both nations.
The Pun Kalasa, a ceremonial pot adorned with sheaves of rice, signifies prosperity and renewal.
The Navarathna, or nine precious gems, symbolises the enduring friendship between India and Sri Lanka, depicted within a globe encircled by pure lotus petals.
The Sun and Moon further represent the timeless nature of this relationship, stretching from ancient history into the infinite future.
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Its previous recipients include former Maldivian president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.
