Colombo | April 5
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Sri Lanka’s highest non-civilian honor — the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushan — during his official three-day visit to the island nation, marking a major diplomatic milestone between the two neighbors.
This is PM Modi’s first visit to Sri Lanka since 2019, and the warm reception he received — including a historic ceremonial welcome at Independence Square — reflected the deepening strategic ties between the two countries.
PM Modi Receives Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushan
In a significant gesture of friendship, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake conferred the Mitra Vibhushan Award upon PM Modi. This prestigious award is Sri Lanka’s highest honor for foreign dignitaries, recognizing leaders who have played a key role in strengthening bilateral relations.
While accepting the award, PM Modi said,
“This is not just a personal honor — it belongs to the 140 crore Indians I represent.”
The award includes a silver medal adorned with nine Sri Lankan gems, lotus petals, sun and moon symbols, and the “Pun Kalasa” (a vessel filled with rice) — symbolizing prosperity and eternal friendship.
The honor was instituted in 2008 by then-President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
India-Sri Lanka Seal Defense and Energy Agreements
During delegation-level talks, India and Sri Lanka signed seven major agreements, including a crucial defense cooperation pact aimed at enhancing maritime security and strategic defense ties in the Indian Ocean region.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and senior officials from both sides were present during the signing.
Key highlights of the agreements:
Defense Partnership Agreement for joint training, defense technology, and coastal security.
Trincomalee Energy Hub development to transform the region into a regional energy node.
Inauguration of the Sampur Solar Power Project, boosting clean energy collaboration.
Trilateral MoU signed between India, Sri Lanka, and the UAE to expand cooperation in trade, connectivity, and infrastructure.
Historic Welcome at Independence Square
In an unprecedented diplomatic gesture, President Dissanayake hosted PM Modi at Independence Square, the iconic site of Sri Lanka’s national celebrations. This marked the first time in history that a foreign leader was given such a grand welcome at this symbolic venue.
The three-day visit (April 4–6) is expected to deepen cultural, economic, and strategic cooperation between the two nations.
