PM Modi Lays Wreath At IPKF Memorial In Colombo; Hails Fallen Warriors | Updates

Last Updated:April 05, 2025, 22:14 IST

PM Modi also received the Mithra Vibhushana award, the highest Sri Lankan honour, from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

PM Modi laid a wreath at the IPKF Memorial in Colombo (x)

India and Sri Lanka signed a major defence cooperation pact for the first time after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake spoke.

India and Sri Lanka have strengthened their partnership with several key agreements. These include developing Trincomalee into a major energy hub and providing Indian grant assistance to Sri Lanka’s eastern region for multi-sectoral development.

PM Modi also received the Mithra Vibhushana award, the highest Sri Lankan honour, from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Saturday during his three-day visit to the island nation.

“I am pleased to announce that the Government of Sri Lanka has decided to confer upon him (PM Narendra Modi) the highest Sri Lanka honour- Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana. Prime Minister Modi highly deserves this honour; that is what we firmly believe," Dissanayake said.

“A moment that echoes the enduring friendship between our nations. Honoured to confer the ‘Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana’ on Prime Minister Narendra Modi — a true friend of Sri Lanka. This recognition reflects the shared values, trust, and timeless bond between our peoples," Dissanayake said.

The Prime Minister later in the day, paid tributes at the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) Memorial in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

He also met the members of the 1996 Sri Lankan cricket team, which won the World Cup that year.

“Cricket connect! Delighted to interact with members of the 1996 Sri Lankan cricket team, which won the World Cup that year. This team captured the imagination of countless sports lovers!" he said on X.

Earlier, PM Modi also met the leaders of Indian Origin Tamil (IOT).

“The meeting with leaders of Indian Origin Tamil (IOT) was fruitful. The community constitutes a living bridge between the two countries for over 200 years. India will support construction of 10,000 houses, healthcare facilities, the sacred site Seetha Eliya temple and other community development projects for IOTs in cooperation with the Government of Sri Lanka," he said on X.

PM Modi also virtually inaugurated the Sampur solar power project along with President Dissanayake, who is hosting a foreign leader for the first time since assuming office.

Earlier, the Prime Minister received an unprecedented ceremonial welcome in Sri Lanka on Saturday at Colombo’s Independence Square. Sri Lanka accorded this honour to a visiting dignitary for the first time, making the gesture both historic and symbolic of the deepening ties between the two neighbours.

“A special welcome at Sri Lanka’s majestic Independence Square. PM Narendra Modi was welcomed by President Anura Disanayake with a ceremonial reception at the Independence Square in Colombo. Bilateral discussions to foster a partnership for a shared future & mutual prosperity of our people lie ahead, " the MEA posted on X.

PM Modi, who is currently on a two-day visit to Sri Lanka, was received at the grand ceremonial venue by President Dissanayake. The welcome marked the beginning of a visit focused on fostering regional collaboration and fast-tracking joint development projects.

Soon after his arrival on Friday, PM Modi was greeted at his hotel by members of the Indian diaspora and treated to a cultural performance, including a puppet show. The vibrant reception reflected the warmth and cultural bonds shared between the two countries.

During the visit, he will travel to Anuradhapura to inaugurate development initiatives supported by India. His last visit to the island nation was in 2019.

Colombo, Sri Lanka

News world PM Modi Lays Wreath At IPKF Memorial In Colombo; Hails Fallen Warriors | Updates