Introduction

  • Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana is considered the highest civilian honour conferred by the government of Sri Lanka.
  • Mainly, it recognises foreign leaders who have forged and encouraged strong international ties with the country.
  • Recently, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana during his official state visit to Sri Lanka.

 

History

  • The Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana was instituted in the year 2008 by then-President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
  • This award aims to honour Heads of State and government officials who have expressed solidarity with Sri Lanka.
  • It carries more prestige than other national honours in Sri Lanka, indicating the significance of foreign relations in Sri Lanka's diplomatic context.

 

Emblem & Importance

  • The award honours the contributions of foreign leaders for the prosperity and progress of Sri Lanka.
  • It acts as a symbol of mutual respect and collaboration, aiming to strengthen diplomatic ties amongst nations.
  • The award is in the form of a silver medal, that features a Pun Kalasa symbolising prosperity. A globe surrounded by lotus petals is also included in the design.
  • Conspicuous elements include the Sun and Moon symbols and a Dharma Chakra, indicative of shared Buddhist heritage.
  • The medal is complemented with a 6.5 cm wide ribbon for wearing around the neck.

 

Notable Awardees

  • To date, the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana has been awarded to four dignitaries.
  • The first recipient of this prestigious award was the former President of Maldives, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, in 2008.
  • Gayoom was recognised for his insightful contributions to regional cooperation and climate change initiatives.
  • Palestinian leaders Mahmoud Abbas and Yasser Arafat (posthumously) were also recognised in 2014 for their significant diplomatic strides.