By Easwaran Rutnam

US President-elect Donald Trump has threatened BRICS countries, into which Sri Lanka is attempting to gain membership, over moves to form their own currency.

Trump demanded a commitment from these countries that they will neither create a new BRICS currency nor back any other currency to replace the "mighty" U.S. Dollar.

He warned that failure to do so will result in BRICS countries having to find another "sucker" and will lose access to US markets.

"The idea that the BRICS Countries are trying to move away from the Dollar while we stand by and watch is OVER. We require a commitment from these Countries that they will neither create a new BRICS Currency, nor back any other Currency to replace the mighty U.S. Dollar or, they will face 100% Tariffs, and should expect to say goodbye to selling into the wonderful U.S. Economy. They can go find another “sucker!” There is no chance that the BRICS will replace the U.S. Dollar in International Trade, and any Country that tries should wave goodbye to America," Trump said on X.

Sri Lanka has formally initiated the application process to join BRICS and the New Development Bank.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has also written to his Russian counterpart conveying Sri Lanka’s interest in BRICS Membership, while Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath has written to his counterparts in BRICS member countries seeking their support.