Colombo, Sri Lanka: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Sri Lanka’s highest civilian award for foreign dignitaries, the Mithra Vibhushana, on Saturday, marking his first overseas trip since beginning a third term. The medal recognizes his role in strengthening India-Sri Lanka ties through cultural diplomacy and strategic partnership.
The medal's design carries deep symbolic meaning, with each element reflecting the nations' shared history and values. At its center sits the Dharma Chakra, embodying the Buddhist heritage both countries cherish. A traditional Pun Kalasa - a ceremonial pot overflowing with sheaves of rice - represents mutual prosperity and renewal.
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Nine precious Navarathna gems, arranged within a globe of lotus petals, signify the enduring friendship between India and Sri Lanka. Completing the design, sun and moon motifs underscore the timeless nature of this bilateral relationship, stretching from ancient civilizational ties to future cooperation.
Modi’s visit—the first by any foreign leader since President Anura Kumara Dissanayake took office in 2024—comes six months after the Sri Lankan leader’s India trip. The two nations are expected to expand cooperation on infrastructure, security, and trade.
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This is Modi’s 22nd international honor, reinforcing his global diplomatic footprint. The ceremony followed a ceremonial guard of honor at Colombo’s Presidential Secretariat.
