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.

Bolivia 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 Mr. 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) that took place June 14 and 15 in Santa Cruz.