PM Modi honoured with Sri Lanka’s highest civilian award ‘Mithra Vibhushana’ for strengthening bilateral ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the Mithra Vibhushana medal by the Government of Sri Lanka on Saturday during his three-day visit to Colombo. The award was presented in recognition of his “exceptional efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and promote the shared cultural and spiritual heritage of the two nations.” This marks Modi’s first international visit in his third term as Prime Minister and the first visit by any foreign leader since President Anura Kumara Dissanayake assumed office in September 2024.

The Mithra Vibhushana medal was specially instituted by Sri Lanka to honour extraordinary global friendships and to reflect the deep-rooted relationship between the two countries. According to the Sri Lankan President’s Office, the medal’s design incorporates multiple symbolic elements: the Dharma Chakra, representing the nations' shared Buddhist heritage; the Pun Kalasa, a ceremonial pot with sheaves of rice signifying prosperity and renewal; and the Navarathna, nine precious gems enclosed in lotus petals symbolising enduring friendship. The sun and moon etched into the design represent the timelessness of the relationship.

“It’s a proud moment for me. It’s not just an honour to me but to 140 crore Indians. It shows the historical relationship and deep friendship between the people of Sri Lanka and India, and for this, I thank the president, the government of Sri Lanka, and the people here,” Prime Minister Modi said during the ceremony.

Modi further noted that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake chose India as the destination for his first foreign visit after assuming office, and that Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka is the first by any global leader since Dissanayake took charge. He added that India had extended support to Sri Lanka during challenging times, including the 2019 Easter bombings and the Covid-19 pandemic.

This is the 22nd international award conferred on Prime Minister Modi by a foreign country. Earlier in the day, he received a ceremonial guard of honour on his arrival in Colombo. The visit is expected to strengthen cooperation between India and Sri Lanka across key sectors such as regional security, infrastructure, economic development, and cultural exchange.