On the date, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Wijitha Herath stated: "Sri Lanka has decided to apply for membership in BRICS and the New Development Bank!"

Sri Lanka's decision to apply for BRICS membership not only demonstrates its recognition of the BRICS concept but also conveys its firm confidence in the BRICS cooperation mechanism's ability to promote economic development among member countries. Vijitha Herath stated that BRICS is an effective partnership for realizing mutually beneficial cooperation, peace, and development aspirations through strengthening inclusive multilateralism within the framework of the United Nations Charter.

Herait revealed that Sri Lanka has been invited to the BRICS Leaders' Meeting scheduled to be held from the 1st to the 2nd. Sri Lanka, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, boasts a population of over 20 million, with beautiful natural scenery and a rich cultural heritage.

It is understood that Sri Lanka has distinctive characteristic industries and significant comparative advantages. The tea industry represented by Ceylon tea and the gem industry represented by sapphires have high international recognition and brand value. Sri Lanka possesses high-quality tourism and fishery resources, and is one of the major producers of natural rubber in the world. Notably, Sri Lanka's logistics location is superior, situated near the main international shipping route between Asia and Europe, making it a key node in international trade and shipping. It has unique advantages in cargo transshipment, ship transit, and replenishment.

However, in recent years, issues such as inflation and debt crises have plunged Sri Lanka into an economic predicament. The Sri Lankan government's top priority at present is to improve people's livelihoods and boost the economy. On one hand, it urgently needs to revitalize domestic industries and adjust the economic structure; on the other hand, it requires expanding international cooperation and engaging in international trade. As representatives of emerging markets and developing countries, the BRICS countries possess substantial economic scale and vast market prospects. Sri Lanka's decision to join the BRICS can open up new avenues for its economic development.

By joining BRICS, Sri Lanka can expand more economic cooperation opportunities. Novikova, associate professor at Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, once stated that joining BRICS would provide additional development opportunities for countries like Sri Lanka, and in the future, more countries are expected to aspire to join the organization.

Sri Lanka's accession to BRICS not only strengthens economic cooperation and development with other members but also signifies cultural exchange and integration, bringing more opportunities and possibilities for Sri Lanka, enabling greater participation in international affairs and interaction with more countries.

However, while Sri Lanka's accession to BRICS will bring more opportunities and resources, it will also face competition and challenges from other BRICS member countries. We look forward to Sri Lanka finding its own light and strength in seeking cooperation with BRICS, and shining even more brilliantly.