"Sri Lanka has decided to apply for the membership of the BRICS and the New Development Bank. HE President and myself — we are unable to attend the Outreach BRICS Summit to be held in Kazan, Russian Federation from 23-24 October 2024, due to the upcoming elections. Secretary/Foreign Affairs will represent Sri Lanka and place on record our request for membership. I have already addressed letters to my counterparts in the BRICS member states seeking support," Herath said in a statement.