Modi awarded Sri Lanka's highest civilian honor

The Sri Lankan government has awarded Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi the 'Mithra Vibhushana' medal, the country's highest civilian honor, in recognition of his special contributions. The award was given for Modi's role in enhancing the bilateral relationship between the two nations.

According to the Hindustan Times, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake presented the award to Modi. After receiving the medal, Modi expressed that it was a moment of pride for him and for the 1.4 billion people of India.

The Mithra Vibhushana medal features images of a water jug, rice leaves, the moon, and the sun. Additionally, it is adorned with nine jewels.

Before Modi, the posthumous Mithra Vibhushana medal was awarded to former President of the Maldives, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, and the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

Modi arrived in Sri Lanka on Friday night after attending the BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand.