PM Modi received Sri Lanka's highest honor, and these deals including defense were sealed between the two countries.

PM Modi, who arrived in Sri Lanka for the first time since 2019 on a three-day visit, was warmly welcomed. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake conferred the highest non-civilian honor Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushan on PM Modi. On this, PM Modi said that this is an honor for 140 crore Indians. PM Modi thanked the President, Government and people of Sri Lanka.

What is the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushan Award?

Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushan is the highest non-civilian honor there. This honor is given to foreign celebrities. The Sri Lankan government gives these awards to those heads of state who have friendly relations with Sri Lanka. The award consists of a silver medal and a citation.

The medal is decorated with the nine gems of Sri Lanka. It has a moon, sun, earth, and lotus petals. The medal has a "Pun Kalasa" on it. It is a vessel filled with rice. It is considered a symbol of prosperity and renewal. The sun and moon on the medal reflect the eternal nature of the relationship between India and Sri Lanka. In the year 2008, the then President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa started this honor.

Defense cooperation agreement with Sri Lanka

On Saturday, delegation level talks were held between Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayake and PM Modi. Seven agreements were signed between the two countries. An agreement was reached on the defense partnership agreement between India and Sri Lanka. Both the leaders signed the agreement. Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and other officials were present in the meeting.

Solar power project inaugurated

An agreement was also reached between the two countries to develop Trincomalee as an energy hub. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi and President Disanayake also virtually inaugurated the Sampur Solar Power Project. India and Sri Lanka have also agreed on multi-sectoral grant assistance to Sri Lanka.

On the other hand, India, United Arab Emirates, and Sri Lanka also signed a trilateral Memorandum of Understanding in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Anura Kumara Disanayake.

PM gets a grand welcome at Independence Square.

Prime Minister Modi is on a state visit to Sri Lanka from 4 to 6 April at the invitation of President Disanayaka. Prime Minister Modi was accorded a historic ceremonial welcome by Sri Lankan President Disanayaka at Independence Square. This is the first time Sri Lanka has honored a guest in this manner. This square is the venue of Sri Lanka's National Day celebrations. It takes its name from the Independence Memorial Hall.