PM Narendra Modi Conferred Sri Lanka’s Highest Civilian Honour – Mithra Vibhushana

On April 5, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Sri Lanka’s highest civilian honour, the Mithra Vibhushana, for his contributions to strengthening the historic ties between India and Sri Lanka. The honour was conferred upon him by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during a ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo. This prestigious recognition is a reflection of the deep-rooted friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

Key Points

Award Details

• Mithra Vibhushana is Sri Lanka’s highest civilian award, first introduced in 2008.
• Previous recipients include former Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.
• The award includes a citation and a silver medal adorned with nine types of Sri Lankan gems.
• The medal’s design features symbols like the lotus, globe, sun, moon, and sheaves of rice, reflecting the shared cultural heritage of India and Sri Lanka.

Historical Significance

• The Dharma Chakra on the medal represents the shared Buddhist heritage that has shaped the cultural traditions of both countries.
• The Pun Kalasa or ceremonial pot with sheaves of rice symbolizes prosperity and renewal.
• The Navarathna (nine precious gems) is depicted inside a globe encircled by lotus petals.

Modi’s Remarks

• Modi expressed that the award was a reflection of the strong historic ties and the deep friendship between India and Sri Lanka.
• He mentioned that receiving the Mithra Vibhushana is an honour not only for him but for the 1.4 billion Indians as well.

Modi’s International Recognition

Modi has been conferred state honours by over 15 countries, including,

• Saudi Arabia’s Order of King Abdul Aziz
• Order of the State of Palestine
• United Arab Emirates’ Order of Zayed
• Order of Fiji
• Egypt’s Order of the Nile

In March 2025, Mauritius awarded Modi its highest civilian honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean during his visit to the country.

Ceremony Details

• The ceremony took place at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo.
• President Anura Kumara Dissanayake personally conferred the award to PM Modi.