Sri Lanka has been formally welcomed as the newest member of the India-led International Big Cat Alliance, according to a message posted by the alliance on X.

“The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) warmly welcomes Sri Lanka as its newest Member Country,” the alliance said, describing the move as “another collective step towards strengthening global cooperation for Big Cat conservation and a sustainable planet.”

Sri Lanka’s decision to join the alliance was first announced in April as part of a list of bilateral outcomes released following Indian Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan’s visit to Sri Lanka.

The announcement was included among several agreements and development initiatives issued on April 19 after talks between Sri Lanka and India.

The International Big Cat Alliance is an initiative led by India aimed at the conservation and protection of seven major big cat species globally — tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar and puma.

Sri Lanka’s participation in the alliance is expected to strengthen cooperation with India on wildlife conservation, biodiversity protection and environmental initiatives.

The move was announced alongside several India-supported projects in Sri Lanka, including housing, healthcare, railway rehabilitation, scholarships and development assistance.