Prime Minister Narendra Modi Conferred with Sri Lanka’s Highest Civilian Honour
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On April 5, 2025, during his official visit to Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the ‘Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana,’ the nation’s highest civilian honour for foreign dignitaries. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake presented the award, recognizing PM Modi’s significant contributions to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting shared cultural and spiritual heritage between India and Sri Lanka.
PM Modi expressed that receiving the award was a matter of immense pride, not just for him personally but for all 1.4 billion citizens of India. He highlighted that the honour reflects the deep-rooted friendship and historical ties between the two nations.
The ‘Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana’ was instituted in 2008 to acknowledge heads of state and government who have fostered exceptional relations with Sri Lanka. The award comprises a citation and a silver medal adorned with nine Sri Lankan gems (Navarathna), symbolizing prosperity and enduring friendship. Notably, only three other leaders have received this prestigious award: former Maldives President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.
This recognition underscores PM Modi’s pivotal role in enhancing India’s global stature and reflects the enduring and evolving relationship between India and Sri Lanka.
