PM Narendra Modi Conferred with Sri Lanka’s Highest Civilian Honour ‘Mithra Vibhushana’
In a significant diplomatic gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the ‘Mithra Vibhushana’, the highest civilian award of Sri Lanka, by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Saturday. The prestigious award recognises Modi’s exceptional contribution in strengthening and deepening bilateral relations between India and the island nation.
The award ceremony took place at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, where Prime Minister Modi was formally honoured with a citation and a silver medallion, richly symbolic and steeped in Sri Lankan cultural and spiritual heritage.
A Historic Honour
Instituted in February 2008 by then Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Mithra Vibhushana is awarded to heads of state and government leaders who have played a vital role in enhancing friendly ties with Sri Lanka.
Previous eminent recipients include former Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, making Modi only the third foreign leader to receive the distinction.
Modi’s Acceptance Remarks
Reacting to the honour, Prime Minister Modi said,
“It is a matter of immense pride to receive the Sri Lanka Mithra Vibhushana from President Dissanayake. I accept this recognition not just as an individual, but on behalf of the 1.4 billion citizens of India. This honour symbolises the enduring friendship and shared cultural legacy between our two nations.”
Symbolism of the Award
The silver medallion presented to Prime Minister Modi is adorned with significant cultural symbols of Sri Lanka. The Dharma Chakra, a prominent feature on the medal, highlights the shared Buddhist heritage that has long shaped the civilizations of both India and Sri Lanka.
Additional elements on the medal include:
- Navaratna (Nine Gems): Representing auspiciousness and prosperity, these precious stones are embedded within a globe and surrounded by lotus petals.
- Pun Kalasa (Ceremonial Pot): Decorated with sheaves of rice, this ancient symbol signifies fertility, wealth, and renewal.
- Lotus, Sun, and Moon Icons: These symbols evoke peace, wisdom, and continuity—core values cherished by both countries.
A Strategic Visit
Modi arrived in Colombo on Friday evening, following his participation in the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) summit in Bangkok. His visit underscores India’s commitment to fostering stronger regional partnerships and cooperation with neighbouring nations, particularly within the Indian Ocean region.
The conferral of the Mithra Vibhushana reflects the growing warmth and mutual respect between India and Sri Lanka, especially in areas of cultural exchange, regional security, infrastructure development, and people-to-people ties
