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

During his three-day visit to Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the country's highest civilian honour — the Mithra Vibhushana — on Saturday. The award was presented by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in recognition of Modi’s contributions to deepening diplomatic relations and celebrating the common cultural and spiritual heritage shared by the two neighbours.

President Dissanayake remarked, “I am happy to declare that the Government of Sri Lanka has decided to present the Sri Lanka Mithra Vibhushana, our nation’s highest civilian distinction, to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We believe he is truly worthy of this honour.”

Accepting the award, Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude and said he considered the gesture a moment of great pride.

“This is not just an honour for me personally,” he said, “but for the 140 crore people of India. The Sri Lanka Mithra Vibhushan reflects the enduring friendship and historical connection between our two nations. I thank the President, the government, and the people of Sri Lanka for this recognition.”

The Mithra Vibhushana medal was created to celebrate exceptional global friendships and to highlight the strength of the bond between India and Sri Lanka. The inclusion of the ‘Dharma Chakra’ in its design symbolises the nations’ shared Buddhist legacy that has deeply influenced their cultural identities," Modi said.