Sri Lanka Awards PM Modi Its Prestigious Honor for Global Leaders
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Synopsis
On April 5, PM Narendra Modi was awarded the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana, the highest civilian honor of Sri Lanka, in recognition of his efforts to bolster India-Sri Lanka relations. The award, presented by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, reflects goodwill and solidarity between the two nations.
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi awarded Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana.
- Recognition for strengthening India-Sri Lanka ties.
- Significant collaborations in energy and agriculture.
- India's financial aid to Sri Lanka exceeds $7 billion.
- Emphasizes the cultural and historical bond between the two nations.
Colombo, April 5 (NationPress) In a remarkable tribute to his commitment to enhancing India-Sri Lanka relations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honored with the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana, the nation's highest civilian award for Heads of State and Government on Saturday.
The esteemed accolade was bestowed by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during a joint press conference in Colombo.
Created specifically to recognize global leaders who foster friendly relations with Sri Lanka, this award signifies a profound appreciation for their solidarity and goodwill towards the Sri Lankan populace.
"I am delighted to declare that the Government of Sri Lanka has chosen to grant PM Modi the highest honor of Sri Lanka -- Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana," President Dissanayake stated.
"Prime Minister Modi truly merits this recognition. This is our steadfast belief," he added.
In his address, PM Modi conveyed his heartfelt thanks, stating that the award represents not only personal acknowledgment but also recognition for 1.4 billion Indians.
"Receiving the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushan award from President Dissanayake is not merely an honor for me but for 1.4 billion Indians... I express my gratitude to the President, the government of Sri Lanka, and the people here," he remarked.
PM Modi further noted that this honor exemplifies the enduring relationship and profound friendship shared between the two neighboring nations.
The Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana medal, uniquely designed to celebrate extraordinary global friendships, symbolizes the shared spiritual and cultural heritage between both countries.
The Dharma Chakra represents their common Buddhist heritage, while the Pun Kalasa -- a ceremonial vessel containing rice sheaves -- denotes prosperity and renewal. The Navarathna, or nine precious gems encircled within a lotus globe, epitomizes the lasting bond between India and Sri Lanka.
This accolade represents the 22nd international award received by PM Modi from a foreign nation, emphasizing his rising profile as a global leader dedicated to regional peace, development, and spiritual diplomacy.
President Dissanayake, praising the India-Sri Lanka relationship, stated, "Sri Lanka and India share more than mere geographical closeness. Our governments have similar aspirations, and we highly value all these interactions, which we regard as historically significant."
He highlighted the strong cultural and historical basis of their relationship, adding, "We are neighbors with deep historical, religious, and cultural ties that extend over a long duration, and our time-tested relationship is founded on shared values, mutual respect, and common interests."
Emphasizing cooperation across various sectors, both leaders virtually inaugurated several key bilateral initiatives, including the Sampur Solar Power Project and a Temperature-Controlled Agriculture Warehouse in Dambulla.
A series of Memoranda of Understanding were also signed to enhance collaboration in areas like energy, digital transformation, and trilateral cooperation.
Among the key MoUs signed were the implementation of HVDC interconnection for power import/export, sharing successful digital solutions for digital transformation, and a trilateral MoU between India, Sri Lanka, and the UAE for developing Trincomalee as an energy hub.
India's financial support to Sri Lanka continues to have a substantial impact, reaching all 25 districts across the island nation.
The total financial aid provided by India, including emergency assistance, amounts to approximately $7 billion, with grant assistance contributing $780 million. Over the last decade, more than 40 developmental projects have been completed under grants totaling nearly $265 million.
Indian investments also significantly influence Sri Lanka's economic framework, with the overall investment portfolio exceeding $2 billion.
The awarding of the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana honor serves as a powerful emblem of shared destinies, spiritual kinship, and a vision for progress grounded in mutual respect and trust between the two nations.
