President Mahinda Rajapaksa, on Monday (June 16), was awarded the “Parliamentary Order Merit Democratic Rep. Marcelo Quiroga Santa Cruza” by the Bolivian Government.

Vice President of Bolivia and President of the Legislative Assembly Mr. Álvaro García Linera presented the award to President Rajapaksa at the Legislative Assembly in the city of La Paz.

The award, which is the highest honor presented by the Plurinational State of Bolivia, recognizes contributions to peace and democracy.

The Bolivian government said President Rajapaksa was selected for this prestigious award for defeating terrorism and restoring peace and development in Sri Lanka. It also recognizes President Rajapaksa’s commitment to human rights and his initiative to improve and expand relations with South America, including Bolivia.

United Nations Secretary-General  Ban Ki-moon was also schedule to receive the award.

President Rajapaksa was in Bolivia attending the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Group of 77 and China (G77+China) which was held a few days ago. During the Visit, the President also invited the Bolivian head of state to visit Sri Lanka, the Bolivian media reported.

The President is due to arrive in Sri Lanka tomorrow. (With inputs from news.lk and Bolivian media reports)