A Landmark Recognition for India-Sri Lanka Ties
PM Modi Awarded Sri Lanka’s Prestigious Civilian Honour: Mithra Vibhushana : On April 5, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was bestowed with Sri Lanka’s highest civilian honour, the Mithra Vibhushana, during an official ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake presented the award, symbolising the growing regional camaraderie and the enduring cultural and strategic ties shared between India and Sri Lanka.
Cultural Depth Behind Mithra Vibhushana
First introduced in 2008, the Mithra Vibhushana is bestowed upon global leaders who have made extraordinary contributions to Sri Lanka’s bilateral relationships. The silver medal is embedded with nine Sri Lankan gemstones (Navaratna) and carries symbolic engravings like the Dharma Chakra, lotus, sun, and sheaves of rice. These motifs represent the nations’ shared Buddhist legacy and agrarian traditions.
Modi’s Message and Regional Importance
While accepting the honour, Prime Minister Modi stated that the award is a recognition not just of him, but of the 1.4 billion people of India. He emphasized the cultural kinship and development cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. This recognition comes amidst ongoing collaborations in energy, port infrastructure, and Buddhist pilgrimage circuits, reinforcing the practical impact of this historic relationship.
Modi’s Track Record of Global Appreciation
The Mithra Vibhushana adds to PM Modi’s list of over 15 top international honours. These include the Order of Zayed (UAE), Order of King Abdulaziz (Saudi Arabia), Order of the Nile (Egypt), and most recently, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (Mauritius) in March 2025. These awards reflect his influence on India’s global diplomacy and regional partnerships.
Static GK Snapshot
PM Modi Awarded Sri Lanka’s Prestigious Civilian Honour: Mithra Vibhushana :
| Aspect | Details |
| Award Name | Mithra Vibhushana |
| Awarded To | PM Narendra Modi |
| Awarded By | Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake |
| Year Instituted | 2008 |
| Symbols on Medal | Dharma Chakra, Lotus, Globe, Sun, Moon, Rice Sheaves |
| Cultural Relevance | Buddhist & agrarian links between India and Sri Lanka |
| Recent Related Honour | Mauritius (March 2025): Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean |
| Past Awardees | Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Yasser Arafat |
| Exam Importance | Polity, Awards, International Relations – UPSC, SSC, TNPSC |
