PM Modi Receives ‘Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushan Samman’; Calls It an Honour for 140 Crore Indians
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with the prestigious Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushan Samman by the Government of Sri Lanka. This award is presented to heads of state from nations that share strong and friendly ties with Sri Lanka. Recognizing the enduring relationship between the two countries, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake personally bestowed the honour upon PM Modi.
In his acceptance speech, PM Modi expressed his heartfelt gratitude and said, “This is not just my honour but that of 140 crore Indians. It reflects the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties, and the enduring friendship between India and Sri Lanka. I thank the President, the Government of Sri Lanka, and the people of this beautiful country for this gesture.”
Significance of the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushan Medal
The Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushan Medal is a symbolic masterpiece:
- Silver Medal featuring the Dharma Chakra, symbolizing the shared Buddhist heritage of India and Sri Lanka.
- Pun Kalash, representing prosperity and renewal.
- Navratnas (Nine Gems), signifying the strong and timeless friendship between the two nations.
- Sun and Moon motifs, reflecting the eternal bond extending from ancient history into the future.
India’s Support to Sri Lanka During Crisis
India has historically enjoyed close relations with Sri Lanka. During Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, India was among the first countries to extend support. The award recognizes this commitment and goodwill, cementing the deep diplomatic and cultural ties between the two neighbours.
PM Modi Highlights Key Bilateral Issues
Speaking on broader India-Sri Lanka relations, PM Modi said, “India and Sri Lanka share spiritual and civilizational bonds that go back centuries. I’m pleased to share that the relics of Lord Buddha, discovered in Gujarat’s Aravalli region in 1960, will be sent to Sri Lanka for public viewing. India will also support the renovation of the historic Thirukoneswaram Temple in Trincomalee.”
He also raised the matter of fishermen, underlining the need for humanitarian cooperation: “We’ve discussed the livelihood issues faced by fishermen. We agreed on the need for a compassionate approach, including the swift release of fishermen and their boats. Our relationship is founded on mutual trust and respect.”
