Sri Lanka confers Mithra Vibhushana award on PM Narendra Modi :::: India inks first defence cooperation pact with Lanka amid China influence

 The award was bestowed on Modi by Dissanayake during a ceremony at the presidential secretariat in Colombo. 

The previous recipients include former Maldivian president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Saturday conferred with the 'Mithra Vibhushana' award by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in recognition of his role in boosting bilateral ties. 

"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. 

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. 

PM Modi arrived Colombo on Friday  evening 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).

The award, the highest civilian honour of the island nation, was instituted in February 2008 by then President Mahinda Rajapaksa. 

In a big announcement and relief to several fishermen from Tamil Nadu, PM Modi said that he had also raised their concerns and declared that Sri Lanka has agreed to the immediate release of any Indian fishermen and the prompt return of their boats.

PM's first visit since President Dissanayake took office. 

Key agreements signed on defence, energy and trade

Katchatheevu island, fishermen's issues were discussed

Recurring arrests of fishermen by Lanka have been a longstanding conflict

PM says matter should be handled with a humane approach

Signs first defence cooperation pact with Lanka amid China influence

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he sought the immediate release of Tamil fishermen and the return of their boats during his bilateral with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Recurring arrests of fishermen from Tamil Nadu and the seizures of their boats by Sri Lankan authorities have been a long-standing conflict between the two countries.

"The Indian side emphasised the immediate release of the fishermen and the return of their boats. We agreed that we should move forward in this matter with a humane approach," PM Modi said, with the President by his side.