PM Modi awarded Sri Lanka’s highest civilian honor as nations sign landmark defense pact

In a historic moment that underscores the deepening ties between India and Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Sri Lanka’s highest civilian honor, the Mithra Vibhushan, by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on April 5.

The event marked the highlight of Modi’s three-day visit to the island nation, which also saw the two countries sign a landmark defense cooperation pact — the first of its kind between the neighbors.

"This honor is not just mine but belongs to the 1.4 billion people of India," Modi said at a joint press briefing, calling the gesture a tribute to the "historic and deep friendship" between the two nations.

The two leaders held high-level delegation talks that culminated in several key agreements aimed at bolstering bilateral relations. Among the most significant was the signing of a defence cooperation pact, signaling a new era of strategic partnership. In addition, both sides agreed to develop the Trincomalee region into an energy hub and formalized a multi-sectoral grant assistance framework for Sri Lanka’s eastern provinces.

Modi praised the resilience of the Sri Lankan people and reaffirmed India’s unwavering support in times of crisis — from the 2019 Easter bombings and the COVID-19 pandemic to the island’s recent economic meltdown.

“This is my fourth visit to Sri Lanka as Prime Minister,” Modi noted. “Even during difficult times, I believed that Sri Lanka would rise again — and today, I see that hope turning into reality.”

President Dissanayake, who made India the destination of his first official foreign visit, expressed gratitude for India’s consistent support and highlighted the shared cultural and historical ties that bind the two nations.

“Our relationship is built on mutual respect, shared values, and common interests,” Dissanayake said. “India’s assistance in our times of need is deeply cherished.”

The leaders also jointly launched the Sampur solar power project virtually, as part of broader cooperation in renewable energy under India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.

Earlier, PM Modi was welcomed with a rare tri-services ceremonial reception at Colombo’s Independence Square — a gesture usually reserved for heads of state — reflecting the warmth of Indo-Lankan relations.

The visit follows Modi’s participation in the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok, further reinforcing India’s commitment to regional collaboration across South and Southeast Asia.