41% of the world’s population lives, 24% of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP) and 16% of world trade activities are carried out in the BRICS countries, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka stated before the Sectoral Oversight Committee on International Relations. 

Furthermore, 10.3% of Sri Lanka’s exports and 47.3% of imports in the year 2022 are made from BRICS countries and for these reasons it is economically important to work with BRICS countries, the Central Bank officials further stated.

The said discussions were held at the Sectoral Oversight Committee on International Relations held in Parliament on the Sep. 05, 2023 Chaired by MP Namal Rajapaksa.

Accordingly, the Committee Chair recommended that a special discussion be held with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Finance under the initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to inquire about the social, economic and political benefits that can be obtained through working with the BRICS countries and submit a report to the Committee.

Moreover, the Chair also instructed the relevant officials to pay attention to the recruitment of foreign students, including Sri Lankan students who are studying abroad, as volunteers for the vacancies of employees in foreign embassies.

Members of the Sectoral Oversight Committee Prof. G. L. Peiris, Akila Ellawala, Madhura Withanage, Members of Parliament Officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a group of officials representing the Central Bank of Sri Lanka participated and the Chandima Weerakkody, Member of Parliament participated with the permission of the Chair of the Committee.