Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would receive the Mitra Vibhushana medal, Sri Lanka’s highest civilian award on Saturday. This recognition comes as a tribute to PM Modi’s efforts in strengthening ties between the two nations.
Expressing his gratitude, PM Modi dedicated the honour to the entire nation. “It shows the historical relation and deep friendship between the people of Sri Lanka and India, and for this, I thank the president, the government of Sri Lanka, and the people in Sri Lanka,” he said.
A Symbol of Friendship and Shared Heritage
The Mitra Vibhushana medal carries strong cultural and spiritual meanings through its design elements. Each symbol used in the medal reflects the close bond between India and Sri Lanka.
The “Dharma Chakra” represents the common Buddhist heritage that both countries share. It reflects the values and teachings that have helped shape the cultures of India and Sri Lanka over centuries.
Next, the “Pun Kalasa,” a ceremonial pot filled with sheaves of rice, stands for prosperity and the spirit of renewal.
The “Navarathna,” meaning nine precious gems, signifies the lasting and valuable friendship between the two nations. These gems are shown inside a globe surrounded by pure lotus petals, adding to its symbolic depth.
Lastly, the “Sun and Moon” on the medal represent the eternal nature of the relationship between India and Sri Lanka—stretching from the ancient past into the future.
Together, these elements portray the rich cultural and spiritual link between the two countries and honour the deep-rooted partnership they continue to cherish.