Sun Nov 10 10:59:20 UTC 2024: ## Sri Lanka’s BRICS Membership Bid Still Pending, Says Colombo

**Colombo, November 10, 2024:** Sri Lanka’s bid to join the BRICS economic bloc remains active, the country’s Foreign Ministry confirmed on Sunday.

Despite recent media reports suggesting a rejection of Sri Lanka’s application, the Ministry clarified that the application is still under consideration by BRICS member countries. Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath has formally communicated Sri Lanka’s interest to join the grouping to his counterparts.

The Ministry acknowledged that numerous countries, including Sri Lanka, have applied for BRICS membership and these requests are being processed.

Furthermore, the Ministry stated that Sri Lanka’s interest in joining the New Development Bank (NDB), a multilateral development bank established by BRICS nations, has been welcomed by the NDB president.

BRICS, originally founded by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, expanded in 2011 to include South Africa. This year, four new members have been added to the group.

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