Colombo:
In a significant recognition of his efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and friendship, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Saturday awarded the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana, the highest civilian honour conferred by the island nation on foreign Heads of State and Government.
The award was presented by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during a joint press briefing in Colombo, marking a high point in bilateral relations between the two countries.
“Prime Minister Modi truly deserves this honour. It reflects the deep respect we hold for his commitment to regional peace and the strong friendship between our nations,” President Dissanayake said.
The Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana is specially reserved for leaders of countries that maintain close and friendly relations with Sri Lanka. The award symbolises the island nation’s appreciation for the solidarity and goodwill extended by such leaders.
Expressing his heartfelt gratitude, PM Modi dedicated the honour to the people of India.
“This is not just an honour for me, but for the 140 crore Indians I represent. I sincerely thank the President, the government, and the people of Sri Lanka for this recognition,” Modi said.
A Symbolic Honour
The medal awarded to Prime Minister Modi carries rich symbolism. It features the Dharma Chakra, signifying the shared Buddhist heritage of India and Sri Lanka. The Pun Kalasa, a ceremonial pot filled with rice, represents prosperity and abundance. At its heart lies the Navarathna, or nine precious gems, encased in a lotus-shaped globe—symbolizing the eternal bond of friendship between the two nations.
This marks the 22nd international award that PM Modi has received from a foreign country—reinforcing his image as a global statesman who champions diplomacy, regional unity, and development.
A Relationship Rooted in Shared Values
President Dissanayake emphasized the depth of India–Sri Lanka ties, noting that the two countries share more than just geographical proximity.
“We are neighbours with deep historical, religious, and cultural ties. Our relationship is built on mutual respect, shared values, and common aspirations,” he stated.
The Prime Minister’s visit to Sri Lanka also saw the launch of several major bilateral projects, showcasing the growing economic and technological cooperation between the two countries.
Key Projects and Agreements Launched
Among the jointly inaugurated initiatives were:
- The Sampur Solar Power Project, which aims to promote clean and renewable energy in Sri Lanka
- A Temperature-Controlled Agricultural Warehouse in Dambulla to support farmers and reduce food spoilage
In addition, multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed to expand cooperation in critical areas such as:
- Energy infrastructure, including the implementation of HVDC interconnection to facilitate power trade between the two countries
- Digital transformation, with India sharing its successful platforms and governance technologies
- Trilateral collaboration between India, Sri Lanka, and the UAE to develop Trincomalee into a regional energy hub
India’s Continued Support to Sri Lanka
India’s assistance to Sri Lanka has been crucial, especially during the island nation’s economic crisis. So far, New Delhi has extended nearly $7 billion in financial aid, which includes:
- $780 million in grants
- Over 40 developmental projects completed across the country
- More than $2 billion in Indian private and public sector investments
These efforts reflect India’s consistent commitment to Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and long-term development.
A Testament to Regional Unity:
The conferring of the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana on Prime Minister Modi is not just an award—it is a symbol of friendship, mutual respect, and shared vision between two ancient civilizations.
As India and Sri Lanka continue to strengthen their partnership across energy, culture, and technology, this gesture serves as a reminder of the deep-rooted ties and promising future both countries share.
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