Non participation in BRICS summit: Did President succumb to any pressure?: SJS

Colombo, October 16 (Daily Mirror) -  Sri Lanka's main opposition party, the Samagi Jana Sandanaya (SJS) today questioned as to whether President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath have decided not to participate in the Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa (BRICS) summit 2024 due to pressure by any foreign force.

The question was raised by SJS candidate for the General Elections and former MP Eran Wickramaratne at a media briefing. 

"We are happy to note that Sri Lanka has applied for BRICS membership. However, it was sad to note that both President Dissanayake and Foreign Minister Herath are not participating in the summit. State leaders should participate in important summits," he said. 

"A non-aligned foreign policy is essential for Sri Lanka,” he added.