President Anura Kumara Dissanayake recently conferred the Mitra Vibhushana award, Sri Lanka’s highest award for a foreign head of state, upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his exemplary friendship towards Sri Lanka. The prestigious award was presented to PM Modi during his official state visit to Colombo, where he was warmly welcomed at Independence Square. During his visit, PM Modi also had the opportunity to interact with the legendary 1996 World Cup-winning Sri Lankan cricketers, further strengthening the bonds of friendship between the two nations. This significant recognition highlights the deep-rooted diplomatic ties and mutual respect shared between India and Sri Lanka, underlining the importance of fostering strong relationships with neighboring countries. PM Modi’s commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation and promoting regional stability has been instrumental in furthering the longstanding partnership between India and Sri Lanka. The Mitra Vibhushana award serves as a testament to PM Modi’s efforts in promoting goodwill and cooperation in the region, solidifying his reputation as a respected statesman and a key ally to Sri Lanka.