Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the country's highest civilian honour, Mitra Vibhushana, as part of his official April 5, 2025 visit to Colombo. Introduced for the first time in 2008, the award is given to visiting heads of state or government whose behaviour has added to bilateral relations by a significant measure. It was transferred by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at a ceremonial ceremony, thanking Modi for launching cultural diplomacy and strategic ties between India and Sri Lanka.
The design of the award symbolizes the strong religious and cultural bond between the two countries.
The salient features are Dharma Chakra, symbolizing common Buddhist heritage; Pun Kalasa, symbolizing new start and good fortune; Navarathna stones, symbolizing lasting friendship; Sun and Moon motifs, symbolizing long-term bilateral relationship.
Grateful, Modi clarified that the award was not for himself but for 1.4 billion Indians as a symbol of the close relationship between the two nations.
Modi added his 22nd foreign award to his collection, adding muscle to his diplomatic credentials globally.
Modi’s visit, his fourth to Sri Lanka as Prime Minister, comes amidst efforts to expand cooperation in areas like infrastructure, security, and trade. It also underscores India’s continued support for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and reconciliation processes.
