'Most powerful leader in South Asia': Sri Lankan cricket legends praise PM Modi during his visit to Colombo

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome in Sri Lanka during his state visit, not only from the government but also from the country’s top cricket legends. During the visit, PM Modi was honoured with the Mitra Vibhushana, Sri Lanka’s highest award for a foreign head of state.
Well-known Sri Lankan cricketers such as Marvan Atapattu, Aravinda de Silva, Chaminda Vaas, Sanath Jayasuriya, and Kumara Dharmasena met Prime Minister Modi and praised his leadership and India’s growing global presence.
Marvan Atapattu called the meeting with Modi “extraordinary” and said, “It was truly a dream come true.”
Kumara Dharmasena, a former cricketer and current umpire, said, “It’s the first time I have seen a leader like him. As the leader of a giant neighbour, Sri Lanka has benefitted from his support. It was fantastic to meet him.”
Aravinda de Silva said, “He is a person well respected around the world. His leadership has done so much for India. Being Prime Minister for three terms running is remarkable.”
Chaminda Vaas shared that he and Modi spoke about the 1996 Cricket World Cup win. “Prime Minister Modi is the most powerful leader in South Asia, and his knowledge of cricket is very good,” he said.
Sanath Jayasuriya added, “It was a great experience meeting PM Modi. He explained how he developed India as a nation.”
The main event of the visit was the award ceremony where Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake gave Modi the Mitra Vibhushana award. The honour is given to foreign leaders who have helped improve relations with Sri Lanka. The president said, “Prime Minister Modi highly deserves this honour; that is what we firmly believe.”
The ceremony was held after a special welcome for Modi at Independence Square in Colombo, the first such welcome given to any visiting leader.
The Mitra Vibhushana award carries deep symbolic meaning. It features the Dharma Chakra, showing shared Buddhist heritage; nine precious gems to represent friendship; and sun and moon symbols to reflect the long-lasting bond between India and Sri Lanka.
PM Modi’s visit, which is scheduled from April 4 to 6, was his first to Sri Lanka since 2019.