Colombo: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has addressed incorrect and misleading reports circulating in certain local media, which claim that Sri Lanka’s application for BRICS membership has been rejected.

According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Sri Lanka, the Cabinet approved Sri Lanka’s application for membership in BRICS and the New Development Bank (NDB) on October 7, 2024. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vijitha Herath, communicated with BRICS member countries, expressing Sri Lanka’s interest in joining the group. Additionally, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reached out to his Russian counterpart to discuss the matter.

During the BRICS Outreach Summit in Kazan, Russia, from October 22 to 24, 2024, Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane, leading the Sri Lankan delegation, announced the country’s interest in joining BRICS. The summit’s Kazan Declaration noted the considerable interest from Global South countries, including Sri Lanka, and introduced a new category of Partner Countries. The pending app
lications, including Sri Lanka’s, will be considered by BRICS member countries in the future.

Sri Lanka’s interest in joining the New Development Bank was positively received by the bank’s President. The Foreign Ministry, along with other relevant government agencies, plans to review the application procedures and timing.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry emphasized that claims of Sri Lanka’s BRICS application rejection are unfounded. It expressed regret over the misrepresentation of remarks made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs during the post-cabinet media conference on November 6, 2024.