Colombo: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Sri Lanka’s highest civilian award, the Mithra Vibhushana, on Saturday during his ongoing three-day visit to the island nation. The prestigious honour was presented to Modi by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
In his address following the award ceremony, Modi expressed that the recognition was not only a personal achievement but also a tribute to the 1.4 billion people of India. He took to social media to convey his gratitude, writing: “It is a matter of immense pride for me to be conferred the ‘Sri Lanka Mithra Vibhushana’ by President Dissanayake today. This honour is not mine alone – it is a tribute to the 1.4 billion people of India. It symbolises the deep-rooted friendship and historic ties between the people of India and Sri Lanka.”
He further thanked the President, the Sri Lankan government, and the people for the honour.
The Indian Prime Minister, who arrived in Sri Lanka at the invitation of President Dissanayake, began his visit by receiving a warm welcome at the Presidential Secretariat. According to a statement from the Sri Lankan President’s office, Modi was greeted by President Dissanayake personally upon his arrival.
Earlier on Saturday, Modi received a ceremonial welcome at Independence Square in Colombo, marking the beginning of his official engagements in Sri Lanka. The welcome ceremony was attended by key Sri Lankan officials, including Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, who had also welcomed Modi upon his arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport on Friday evening.
In a tweet on his arrival, Modi thanked the ministers and dignitaries for their warm reception, saying, “Landed in Colombo. Grateful to the ministers and dignitaries who welcomed me at the airport. Looking forward to the programmes in Sri Lanka.”
The visit to Sri Lanka follows Modi’s two-day tour to Thailand, where he participated in the BIMSTEC Summit. This visit also marks the first time President Dissanayake is hosting a foreign leader since taking office.
