The country's Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a visit to Sri Lanka these days. During this time, he was awarded Sri Lanka's highest civilian honor 'Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushan'. This honor was given to him by Sri Lanka's President Anura Kumar Disanayake in Colombo. On this occasion, PM Modi discussed the relations between Sri Lanka and India in his address. Along with this, PM Modi said that this honor belongs to the 140 crore Indians of the country. PM Modi is on a 3-day visit to Sri Lanka. On the first day of PM Modi's visit, many agreements have been signed between India and Sri Lanka, including defense and infrastructure.
Mitra Vibhushan Award is the highest civilian award of the Government of Sri Lanka which is given to foreign dignitaries who have maintained special friendship with Sri Lanka. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the first foreign leader to receive the Mitra Vibhushan Award after the Ceremonial Guard of Honor. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake honored Prime Minister Modi by presenting him with the 'Mitra Vibhushan Award' medal. Till today i.e. 5 April 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been honored with the highest civilian awards by 22 countries.
#WATCH | Colombo | Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "…Today, to be honored with the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushan award by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake—it's not an honor to me but to 140 crore Indians. It shows the historical relation and deep friendship between the… https://t.co/YQzcwp16n0 pic.twitter.com/wCzYZUin8b
— ANI (@ANI) April 5, 2025
PM Modi said on this occasion, 'India's vision has been Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. We give priority to allied countries. Sri Lanka is not only our neighboring country but also a good friend. We have stood firmly with Sri Lanka in its difficult times. This honor is not only my honor, but it is the honor of 140 crore Indians. This is an honor for the historical relations and deep friendship between India and Sri Lanka. It is a matter of pride for India that we have discharged our duties as a true neighbor friend. Let us tell you that Prime Minister Modi said in his speech that India gave all possible help to Sri Lanka during the terrorist attack of the year 2019, the Kovid epidemic and the recent economic crisis. He said that Sri Lanka has a special place in India's Neighbor First Policy and Vision Ocean.
India opened the treasury for Sri Lanka
PM Modi also announced that India will provide assistance of about 240 crore Sri Lankan rupees for the development of the eastern provinces of Sri Lanka. Apart from this, a decision has been taken to reduce interest rates. This makes it clear that India stands strongly with Sri Lanka even today. He said that India's vision of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' is not limited to the country only, but also gives equal importance to the priorities of partner countries.
