"President Disanayaka requested Prime Minister Modi’s support for Sri Lanka’s application to become a member of the BRICS," the statement read.
Dissanayake is visiting India from December 15-17, marking his first bilateral visit to the country since taking office in September. The Sri Lankan leader has already met with India's foreign, economic and information ministers, focusing on strengthening economic cooperation, expanding investment opportunities, enhancing regional security, and developing tourism and energy sectors.
In late October this year, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said that Sri Lanka had decided to apply for membership in BRICS and the New Development Bank.
BRICS is an intergovernmental association that Brazil, Russia, India, and China created in 2006, and South Africa joined in 2010. The group had its second expansion this year, admitting Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The latter has reportedly not formalised its membership but has been taking part in BRICS meetings.