The Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana (,

Tamil Tamil may refer to: People, culture and language * Tamils, an ethno-linguistic group native to India, Sri Lanka, and some other parts of Asia **Sri Lankan Tamils, Tamil people native to Sri Lanka ** Myanmar or Burmese Tamils, Tamil people of Ind ...

: சிறீ லங்கா மித்ர விபூஷண, ''Sri Lankan Friendship Decoration'') is a distinguished honor awarded by the Government of Sri Lanka to foreign Heads of State and Heads of Government. Established in February 2008 by

President President most commonly refers to: *President (corporate title) * President (education), a leader of a college or university *President (government title) President may also refer to: Arts and entertainment Film and television *'' Præsident ...

Mahinda Rajapaksa Mahinda Rajapaksa (; ; born Percy Mahendra Rajapaksa; 18 November 1945) is a Sri Lankan politician. He served as the sixth President of Sri Lanka from 2005 to 2015; the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka from 2004 to 2005, 2018, and 2019 to 2022; the ...

, this accolade recognizes exceptional and distinguished service to the nation, particularly in fostering friendly relations and solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka.

Significance of the award

The Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana holds a prestigious position among Sri Lanka's national honors, taking precedence over other awards conferred upon non-Sri Lankans. It serves as a testament to the recipient's exceptional role in enhancing diplomatic relations and reflects Sri Lanka's appreciation for international leaders who have demonstrated unwavering friendship and support. The meticulous design of the medal, incorporating culturally significant symbols and precious gems, embodies the deep-rooted connections and mutual respect between Sri Lanka and the honored individuals. In essence, the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana not only honors distinguished foreign leaders but also symbolizes Sri Lanka's commitment to nurturing and acknowledging international friendships that contribute to the nation's growth and global standing.

Design and symbolism of the medal

The decoration comprises a silver medal adorned with nine types of Sri Lankan gems, known as Navaratna. The medal features symbolic elements: *

Dharmachakra The dharmachakra (Sanskrit: धर्मचक्र, ) or wheel of dharma is a symbol used in the Dharmic religions. It has a widespread use in Buddhism.John C. Huntington, Dina Bangdel, ''The Circle of Bliss: Buddhist Meditational Art,'' p. ...

: Reflects the shared Buddhist heritage between Sri Lanka and the recipient's nation. * Purna Kalasha (Ceremonial Pot): Adorned with sheaves of rice, symbolizing prosperity and renewal. *

Navaratna ''Navaratna'' () is a Sanskrit compound word meaning "nine gems" or "ratnas". Jewellery created in this style has important cultural significance in many southern, and south-eastern Asian cultures as a symbol of wealth, and status, and is claim ...

(Nine Precious Gems): Represents the enduring and priceless friendship between the two countries, depicted within a globe encircled by pure lotus petals. * Sun and Moon: Signify the timeless bond stretching from the ancient past into the infinite future. The accompanying ribbon is 6.5 cm wide, and the medal is designed to be worn around the neck. Recipients also receive a citation detailing their contributions.

Notable recipients

Since its inception, the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana has been conferred upon a select group of distinguished leaders: *

Maumoon Abdul Gayoom Maumoon Abdul Gayoom ( ; born Abdulla Maumoon Khairi; 29 December 1937) is a Maldivian politician, statesman, diplomat and scholar who served as the 3rd president of the Maldives from 1978 to 2008. He previously served as the Minister of Tra ...

(President of the Maldives): Awarded on 13 February 2008. *

Mahmoud Abbas Mahmoud Abbas (; born 15 November 1935), also known by the Kunya (Arabic), kunya Abu Mazen (, ), is a Palestinian politician who has been serving as the second president of Palestine and the President of the Palestinian National Authority, P ...

(President of the Palestinian National Authority): Awarded on 2 January 2014. *

Yasser Arafat Yasser Arafat (4 or 24 August 1929 – 11 November 2004), also popularly known by his Kunya (Arabic), kunya Abu Ammar, was a Palestinian political leader. He was chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) from 1969 to 2004, Presid ...

(Posthumous, Former President of the Palestinian National Authority): Awarded on 2 January 2014. *

Narendra Modi Narendra Damodardas Modi (born 17 September 1950) is an Indian politician who has served as the Prime Minister of India, prime minister of India since 2014. Modi was the chief minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014 and is the Member of Par ...

(Prime Minister of India): Awarded on 5 April 2025.

Recipients

References

Civil awards and decorations of Sri Lanka {{SriLanka-stub