PRESIDENT AWARDED PRESTIGIOUS KHALIFA MEDAL BY BAHRAIN April 28, 2014
Upon receiving the medal, President Rajapaksa said, “I am humbled and honored. With Bahrain, we seek to build an enhanced dynamic partnership. The kind words, gracious hospitality and warm interactions will leave enduring and fond memories of this state visit for me and my delegation, which undoubtedly will translate into active cooperation.”
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, the King of Bahrain, presented the award to the President. The King said the medal is being Presented to President Rajapaksa “in appreciation of your Excellency and your friendly country, and in recognition of the efforts you are personally exerting to move with bilateral ties to a higher level of development and progress.”
During his speech, President Rajapaksa revived memories of Sheikh Isa visiting Sri Lanka in 1976 for the Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement. The President also briefed Bahraini officials about Sri Lanka’s journey to growth since the end of the three-decade long struggle against terrorism.
The Order of Al-Khalifa was founded in 1940 and revived in the 1970s. The medal honors the dedication of the late Amir Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifa to humanitarianism. The King of Saudi Arabia, the Prime Minister of Malaysia and Queen Elizabeth II are among the leaders who have been presented this award so far.
https://www.mahindarajapaksa.lk/for...awarded-prestigious-khalifa-medal-by-bahrain/
