By: Staff Writer
December 27, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan President Anura Dissanayake has formally expressed the country’s desire to join BRICS, according to Pakeer Amza, Sri Lanka’s ambassador to Moscow.
The request, conveyed in a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin in October, highlights Colombo’s intent to become part of the influential bloc.
Sri Lanka has also sought support from other BRICS members to secure its membership by 2025, emphasizing its commitment to the group’s vision of multilateral cooperation.
In October 2024, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath announced Sri Lanka’s decision to apply for BRICS membership and join its affiliated New Development Bank (NDB).
Herath explained that Sri Lanka views BRICS as an essential platform to foster partnerships promoting sustainable development, peace, and global cooperation, aligning with the principles of the UN Charter.
The country has since reached out to several BRICS leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for support in its bid.
BRICS, established in 2006, initially comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Over time, it has expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, solidifying its position as a counterbalance to Western-led global economic dominance.
With Russia presiding over BRICS in 2024, the bloc has gained increasing geopolitical significance by challenging the dominance of the U.S. dollar and promoting alternatives to existing global economic frameworks.
Sri Lanka’s engagement with BRICS has been active in recent months. A delegation led by Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardena participated in the BRICS summit in Russia, formally submitting an application for membership.
However, during the summit, BRICS decided against further expansion, postponing Colombo’s aspirations.
Despite this setback, Herath noted that Sri Lanka’s application remains under consideration, with the Russian Embassy affirming that new bids will be reviewed through consensus among current members.
Parallel to its BRICS membership pursuit, Sri Lanka has sought to join the NDB, a multilateral institution established by BRICS in 2015.
The NDB mobilizes resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging economies. While full BRICS membership may take time, Colombo hopes to leverage the NDB as a stepping stone to align with the bloc’s economic initiatives.
Herath highlighted that countries like Bangladesh, though not BRICS members, are part of the NDB, suggesting a similar path for Sri Lanka.
The Foreign Ministry stated on November 10, 2024, that the government remains optimistic about future opportunities to join BRICS. Cabinet discussions are ongoing to assess the benefits of NDB membership, with the Finance Ministry tasked with evaluating its potential impact.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka continues to engage diplomatically with BRICS nations, seeking their backing for its long-term integration into the bloc.
As BRICS evolves into a more significant player on the global stage, Sri Lanka’s application reflects its strategic ambition to align with emerging economic powers.
While membership may not be immediate, Colombo’s pursuit of inclusion underscores its commitment to advancing national development through multilateral partnerships.
