Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented with the Mithra Vibhushana award, the greatest award to a foreign president, by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake throughout a ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo today (05 ).
In a joint press declaration together with PM Modi, Dissanayake said, I am pleased to announce that the Government of Sri Lanka has chosen to confer upon him (PM Narendra Modi) the greatest Sri Lankan honour to a foreign head of state/head of government- Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana.
This distinguished honour, which was presented in 2008, is provided upon heads of states and government for their relationship, and honourable Prime Minister Modi extremely deserves this honour; that is what we firmly believe.PM Modi thanked the President and said the honour is a terrific matter of pride.This honour is not simply mine but it belongs to the 140 crore individuals of India.
It is a tribute to the historic and deep relationship between the people of India and Sri Lanka.
For this recognition, I reveal my heartfelt appreciation to the Government of Sri Lanka, President Dissanayake, and the people of this nation, Modi said, while addressing a press fulfill following the talks.As Prime Minister, this is my fourth check out to Sri Lanka.
My previous go to in 2019 came at a really delicate time.
Even then, I had faith that Sri Lanka would increase, and rise stronger.
I truly admire the nerve and strength of individuals here.
Today, seeing Sri Lanka once again on the path of development fills me with happiness.
It is a matter of pride for India that we have satisfied our responsibility as a true and accountable neighbour and good friend, he said.Hailing Indias contribution to Sri Lanka, Modi stated, in every difficult situation, India stood with Sri Lanka be it the 2019 horror attack, Covid pandemic or the current economic crisis.President Dissanayake picked India for his very first foreign visit, and I had the honour of being his first foreign guest.
This shows the depth of our bilateral ties.
Under our Neighbourhood First policy and SAGAR vision, Sri Lanka holds a special place.
In the previous 4 months considering that President Dissanayakes visit to India, there has been impressive progress in our cooperation, the PM added in his address.About the Mithra Vibhushana Award gave on Indian PM Modi: The Dharma Chakra shows the shared Buddhist heritage that has actually formed the cultural customs of both nations.The Pun Kalasa (a ceremonial pot) decorated with sheaves of rice represents prosperity and renewal.The Navarathna (nine precious gems) represents the priceless and enduring friendship between the two countries, portrayed within a globe surrounded by pure lotus petals.Finally, the Sun and Moon symbolize the classic bond, stretching from the ancient past into the boundless future.
Together, these components magnificently record the deep cultural and spiritual connection in between the two nations.