“This is the first time that an Indian leader is receiving this award.”

PM Modi Conferred Sri Lanka’s Highest Civilian Honour ‘Mitra Vibhushana,' Latest News: Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Saturday announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be honoured with Sri Lanka’s highest civilian award — the "Mitra Vibhushana" medal.
In response, Prime Minister Modi thanked President Dissanayake for the honour and dedicated the award to the 1.4 billion people of India.

“It is a matter of immense pride for me to be conferred the 'Sri Lanka Mitra 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. I express my heartfelt gratitude to the President, the Government and the people of Sri Lanka for this honour,” wrote on X.

The Official Spokesperson of India’s Ministry of External Affairs also shared a post on X, stating, “An award dedicated to the special India-Srilanka friendship & 1.4 bn people of India. President @anuradisanayake conferred PM @narendramodi with the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana award, Srilanka’s highest honour bestowed on foreign leaders.”

“This is the first time that an Indian leader is receiving this award,” he added.

The Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana is a prestigious national honour instituted in February 2008 by then-President Mahinda Rajapaksa. It is conferred exclusively on Heads of State and Government from nations that maintain friendly relations with Sri Lanka, in recognition of their remarkable friendship and solidarity with the Sri Lankan people.
 

'Mitra Vibhushana' Medal
The "Dharma Chakra" symbolizes the shared Buddhist heritage that has shaped the cultural traditions of both India and Sri Lanka.
The “Purna Kalasha”, a ceremonial vessel decorated with heaps of rice, stands for prosperity and renewal.
The "Navaratna" (nine precious gems) represent the priceless and enduring friendship between the two nations, depicted within a globe surrounded by the pure petals of a lotus.
Finally, the "Sun and Moon" signify the timeless bond that stretches from the ancient past to an infinite future.
Together, these elements beautifully illustrate the deep cultural and spiritual ties between India and Sri Lanka.