In a strategic move that could reshape its diplomatic landscape, Sri Lanka has announced its intention to seek membership in the BRICS group of nations.
"Sri Lanka is planning to join BRICS+," affirmed Ambassador Liyanage, expressing optimism that membership would bolster both transport and food security for the South Asian country.
BRICS consortium is a coalition of non-Western economies that has steadily grown in influence since its inception. Initially comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, BRICS has recently welcomed four new members – Ethiopia, Iran, Egypt, and the UAE – earlier this year.
Opposition Parliamentarian Mano Ganesan also emphasised this sentiment during a high-level meeting between the Sri Lankan Opposition Leader and a visiting delegation from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Ganesan conveyed to the Chinese delegation Sri Lanka's aspiration to align itself with BRICS, positioning itself alongside key regional players. He articulated hopes for Chinese support in facilitating Sri Lanka's entry into the influential economic bloc.
It is worth noting that Colombia, Venezuela, Thailand, Cuba, Senegal, Nigeria, Bahrain, Belarus, and Pakistan are among the countries that have recently expressed intentions to join BRICS, signaling the group's increasing global appeal.
The expansion of BRICS signifies a shift in the global balance of power, with non-Western economies increasingly asserting themselves on the world stage. For Sri Lanka, membership in BRICS could offer access to new economic opportunities, enhanced diplomatic ties, and greater security cooperation within the region.