Ukraine requests Abu Dhabi to return Udayanga

6 February 2018 08:44 pm - 14 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Ukraine authorities had reportedly requested the Abu Dhabi authorities to handover former Sri Lankan envoy to Russia Udayanga Weeratunga to Ukraine as he holds Ukrainian citizenship.

Weeratunga who was detained in Dubai on Sunday (4) while in transit to the United States was later transferred to the authorities in Abu Dhabi by the Immigration and Emigration officers as per an INTERPOL warrant issued.

He was accused in a probe into the acquisition of MiG-27 fighter jets from Ukraine, while he was also accused of supplying weapons to anti-Government forces in several countries and was absconding the Sri Lankan authorities using a Sri Lankan Diplomat Passport.

Meanwhile, Police Media Spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara said that a special investigation team was to leave for Abu Dhabi this evening to hold discussions with the Abu Dhabi authorities over the possibility of extraditing the former envoy to Sri Lanka.

The team that is to be sent to Abu Dhabi consists of seven officers including a Financial Crime Investigation (FCID) officer, two senior officers from the Attorney General's Department, an Immigration and Emigration officer, two Criminal Investigation Division (CID) Officers and an official from Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Although reports said that a red warrant had been issued to arrest Mr. Weeratunga, reliable sources told Daily Mirror that only a blue warrant had been approved by the INTERPOL which only permits “to collect additional information about a person's identity, location or activities in relation to a crime”.

However, addressing a public meeting in Galle today, Law and Order Minister Sagala Ratnayake said Sri Lanka is to request the Abu Dhabi government to return the accused ex-diplomat to Sri Lanka as soon as possible. (Thilanka Kanakarathna)

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Comments - 14

Lima Tuesday, 06 February 2018 09:49 PM

BRING AND GIVE DEATH SENTENCE ALONG WITH THE JARAPAKSAS FAMILY , THIS IS WHAT THEY DESERVE FOR THE ROBBERY AND MURDER THEY COMMITTED TO THE NATION

LIME LUV U Wednesday, 07 February 2018 08:39 AM

Lima, I love you for your comment

Gayan Wednesday, 07 February 2018 09:00 AM

We can hang them alongside other robbers like RW Rk AM AA no.

Kanagaratnam Tuesday, 06 February 2018 09:59 PM

This what happens if Interpol is used to "arrest" a suspect. Interpol is not a Police Force nor it has any investigative powers. It has only a "Notice Board " naming people wanted by various police forces,which are for propaganda reasons called Red notice and Blue notice.That is all about the Interpol and nothing more. Wake up Sri Lankan Police !

Hiran Shanaka Wednesday, 07 February 2018 08:53 AM

Sir, your comment proves that you know nothing about the power and authority of Interpol!

Wijeyawardane Wednesday, 07 February 2018 10:56 AM

We shouldn't have relied on the Interpol, now this guy may escape justice.

Marcopolo Tuesday, 06 February 2018 10:01 PM

He was indeed a merchant of death. May be the Ukrainian authorities want him back as he have many secrets with him.

Ahaa Tuesday, 06 February 2018 10:01 PM

Atlest let them do the right thing. Why we have to fight for someone who left our country and wanted to get settled some where else. Justice takes its way.

cheers Wednesday, 07 February 2018 08:28 AM

Another mess for Yakopalanaya

tuan Wednesday, 07 February 2018 08:43 AM

Lima what has the Rajapakse's got to do with.. don't talk rubbish..

MODAYA Wednesday, 07 February 2018 09:08 AM

This is MARAs first cousin who made merry while the king was in power .

karsha Wednesday, 07 February 2018 10:28 AM

ignarance at its maximum height.

mali Wednesday, 07 February 2018 11:13 AM

This bunch of guys of the same family have played the cards so well not leaving room for any proof.But one day they will have to pay for every penny in trillions.

Sincere Wednesday, 07 February 2018 12:14 PM

Even if he can be used in some way or other for some to remain and continue in power, that will happen in this country. What matters is not the gravity of the offence one commits but whether it helps someone else to safeguard his interests.

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Ukraine requests Abu Dhabi to return Udayanga

Comments - 14

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