Colombo: 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Sri Lanka on a three-day visit, was on Saturday conferred the Mithra Vibhushana Award, the highest civilian honour in Sri Lanka, by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in recognition of his role in boosting bilateral ties.

Both nations also inked key pacts including one on defence cooperation following talks between the two leaders.

The talks were held a day after Modi arrived in the Sri Lankan capital after concluding his trip to Bangkok where he attended a summit of the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation).

About Mithra Vibhushana Medal

The award, the highest civilian honour of the island nation, was instituted in February 2008 by then-President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Its previous recipients include former Maldivian president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.  

"It is an honour for me to be awarded the Sri Lanka Mithra Vibhushana by President Dissanayake. It is also an honour for 1.4 billion Indians," Modi said in his remarks.

Key Defence Pact Inked

The ambitious defence cooperation pact outlines a broader roadmap for deeper bilateral cooperation, asserting that security of both nations is interlinked and dependent on each other. The defence pact is among seven key agreements signed by the two sides following wide-ranging talks between PM Modi and President Dissanayake.

The defence pact, being seen as a major move to bolster strategic ties, came nearly four decades after the Indian Peace Keeping Force's intervention in the island nation.

Mithra Vibhushana Medal (ANI)

The award was bestowed on Modi by Dissanayake during a ceremony at the presidential secretariat in Colombo. The recipient of the honour is awarded a citation and a silver medal to be worn around the neck, studded and adorned with nine types of Sri Lankan gems and the symbols of a lotus, globe, sun, moon and sheaves of rice.

The Dharma Chakra on the medal reflects the shared Buddhist heritage that has shaped the cultural traditions of both nations. The Pun Kalasa or ceremonial pot adorned with sheaves of rice symbolises prosperity and renewal, according to an official.

The Navarathna or nine precious gems are depicted within a globe encircled by lotus petals.

Key pacts inked following talks between PM Modi, President Dissanayaka

For the first time, India and Sri Lanka on Saturday inked an ambitious defence cooperation pact following talks between Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake.

The two sides also signed a pact to develop Trincomalee as an energy hub. Another agreement was inked to facilitate New Delhi's multi-sectoral grant assistance to Sri Lanka's eastern region. PM Modi and President Dissanayake also virtually inaugurated the Sampur solar power project.

List of MoUs signed between India and Sri Lanka

MoU on Defence Cooperation

Implementation of HVDC Interconnection for Import And Export of Power.

Cooperation in the Field of Sharing Successful Digital Solutions Implemented at Population Scale for Digital Transformation.

MoU between India, Sri Lanka, and United Arab Emirates for cooperation in development of Trincomalee as an Energy Hub

Multi-sectoral Grant Assistance for Eastern Province

MoU between the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of the Government of India and the Ministry of Health & Mass Media of Sri Lanka on Cooperation in the Field of Health & Medicine.

MoU on Pharmacopoeial Cooperation between the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission and the National Medicines Regulatory Authority, Sri Lanka.

Projects integrated or launched during PM Modi's visit to Sri Lanka

Inauguration of upgraded railway track of Maho-Omanthai railway line.

Launch of Construction of Signalling System for Maho-Anuradhapura railway line.

Ground Breaking ceremony of Sampur Solar power project (virtual).

Inauguration of Temperature Controlled Agricultural Warehouse in Dambulla (virtual).

Supply of Solar Rooftop Systems for 5000 Religious Institutions across Sri Lanka (virtual).

During the visit, Prime Minister Modi also announced comprehensive capacity-building programme in India covering 700 Sri Lankans annually; India’s grant assistance for the development of Thirukoneswaram temple in Trincomalee, Sita Eliya temple in Nuwara Eliya, and Sacred City Complex project in Anuradhapura; the Exposition of Lord Buddha relics in Sri Lanka on International Vesak Day 2025; as well as the conclusion of Bilateral Amendatory Agreements on Debt Restructuring.

Ceremonial welcome

On Friday, PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the historic Independence Square in the heart of the Sri Lankan capital, in perhaps the first such honour given to a foreign leader.

President Dissanayake received the prime minister at the Square -- the venue for national day celebrations and takes its name from the Independence Memorial Hall built to commemorate the island nation's independence from British rule in 1948.

Ahead of the talks, Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the historic Independence Square in the heart of the Sri Lankan capital, in perhaps the first such honour given to a foreign leader.

President Dissanayake received the prime minister at the Square -- the venue for national day celebrations and takes its name from the Independence Memorial Hall built to commemorate the island nation's independence from British rule in 1948.

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