Colombo: On Saturday, Sri Lanka conferred its highest civilian award, the Mithra Vibhushana, on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in recognition of his role in strengthening the ties between the two countries.
The award was bestowed on Modi by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at a ceremony held at the presidential secretariat.
“It is a matter of great pride for me to be awarded the ‘Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana’ by President Dissanayake. This award does not only honor me, but also honors 140 crore Indians,” Modi said.
“It is an honour for me to be awarded the Sri Lanka Mithra Vibhushana by President Dissanayake. It is also an honour for 1.4 billion Indians,” Modi said in his remarks.
The award was bestowed on Modi by Dissanayake during a ceremony at the presidential secretariat in Colombo.
The recipient of the honour is awarded a citation and a silver medal to be worn around the neck, studded and adorned with nine types of Sri Lankan gems and the symbols of a lotus, globe, sun, moon, and sheaves of rice.
The Dharma Chakra on the medal reflects the shared Buddhist heritage that has shaped the cultural traditions of both nations.
The Pun Kalasa or ceremonial pot adorned with sheaves of rice symbolises prosperity and renewal, according to an official.
The Navarathna or nine precious gems are depicted within a globe encircled by lotus petals. Modi landed in Colombo last evening after concluding his trip to Bangkok where he attended a summit of the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation).
