Sri Lanka Awards PM Modi ‘Mitra Vibhushan’: What It Means for India

Sri Lanka Awards PM Modi: The Sri Lankan government has honored Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the ‘Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushan Award.’ The Sri Lankan government gives this honor to the heads of countries who have good relations with Sri Lanka. India has historically had good relations with Sri Lanka.

Also, when Sri Lanka was going through a period of economic crisis, India was the first to extend a helping hand to Sri Lanka. Now recognizing these good relations, the Sri Lankan government has given this honor to Prime Minister Modi. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayake honored Prime Minister Modi by wearing the ‘Mitra Vibhushan’ medal. After receiving the honor, PM Modi said that this is the honor of 140 crore countrymen of India.

Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushan medal

The Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushan Samman consists of a silver medal, which has the Dharma Chakra, a symbol of Buddhist heritage. This Buddhist heritage has shaped the cultural traditions of India and Sri Lanka. The Pun Kalash (a ceremonial vessel) in the medal symbolizes prosperity and renewal. The Navratnas in the medal signify the invaluable and enduring friendship between the two countries. The Sun and Moon signify the bond that stretches from the ancient past to the infinite future. After receiving the award, Prime Minister Modi said, ‘It is an honor not only for me but for 140 crore Indians. To be honored with the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushan Award by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayake.

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It reflects the historical ties and deep friendship between the people of Sri Lanka and India. And for this I thank the President, the Government of Sri Lanka, and the people here.’ Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayake said that ‘India and Sri Lanka share a very deep friendship. We are neighbors who have deep historical, religious, and cultural ties, and these ties have been going on for a long time. Our relations are based on shared values, mutual respect, and common interests. PM Modi raised the issue of fishermen.

India and Sri Lanka

PM Modi said that ‘India and Sri Lanka share centuries-old spiritual and intimacy-filled relations. I am excited to inform you that the relics of Lord Buddha found in 1960 in Aravalli, Gujarat, are being sent to Sri Lanka for darshan. India will cooperate in the renovation of the Thirukoneswaram temple in Trincomalee. We also discussed issues related to the livelihood of fishermen. We agreed that we should move forward with humanitarian assistance in this matter. Further revealed we also stressed the immediate release of fishermen and the return back their boats. Relations between India and Sri Lanka are based on mutual trust and goodwill.

It is a matter of immense pride for me to be conferred the 'Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana' by President Dissanayake today. This honour is not mine alone – it is a tribute to the 1.4 billion people of India. It symbolises the deep-rooted friendship and historic ties between the… pic.twitter.com/UBQyTMoJ27

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 5, 2025